Trump's visit 'nothing more than money-making photo opportunity', say critics ahead of protest
Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Ireland is facing significant backlash from opposition parties and advocacy groups who view the trip as a commercial photo opportunity. Critics cite his policies on Gaza and global fuel prices as reasons for their protest, despite the government's official state welcome.
Why it matters
The protest highlights the tension between diplomatic state visits and public sentiment regarding the foreign policy actions of U.S. leaders.
A PROTEST AGAINST Donald Trump’s visit to Ireland this week aims to show the US president he’s not welcome, and the Irish government that they were wrong to “encourage” him.
He’s due to visit Dublin on Saturday, where official state meet-and-greets will take place, before heading to his golf course in Co Clare for the Irish Open.
A protest is organised by the Irish Neutrality League, which is made up of several left-leaning opposition parties, as well as advocacy groups such as the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett hopes for “tens of thousands” of participants in Saturday’s protest, to oppose Trump’s “toxic and dangerous agenda” and show him he’s not welcome.
He said it’s “disgraceful” that the government “encouraged” him to come.
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