President Trump on Thursday hosted Prime Minister Enda Kenny at the White House for its annual St. Patrick’s Day events, a tradition dating back to the 1950s that celebrates the bonds between the two countries.
Mr. Trump welcomed Mr. Kenny, officially titled Taoiseach Kenny, in the Oval Office for bilateral meetings. All in attendance, except Mr. Trump, wore kelly green for the occasion.
“I love Ireland,” Mr. Trump said when Irish news reports shouted questions about whether he’d visit Ireland during his presidency.
“I really love Ireland,” the president continued. “I’ll be back.”
Mr. Kenny wore a kelly-green tie. Mr. Trump wore a bluish-green striped tie.
The St. Patrick’s Day schedule included a breakfast with Vice President Mike Pence and a luncheon later at the Capitol.
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At the breakfast, Mr. Kenny pledged his country’s lasting friendship.
“Ireland and the EU will never be but a friend to the United States,” he said.
The discussions between Mr. Trump and Mr. Kenny could get tense. The prime minister has said that he intends to broach the effects of Brexit and immigration policies.
Mr. Kenny is the first EU politician to meet with Mr. Trump after British Prime Minister Theresa May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to visit the White House on Friday.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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