Trump criticizes European policies during his visit to Ireland

Trump took advantage of a short stop in Dublin, before heading to his family's golf resort, to criticize Ireland, and Europe more broadly, over trade, regulations, energy and immigration.

“You know, I love Europe,” Trump said during an event with business leaders from the United States and Ireland.

He added: "My mother was from Scotland, and my father was from Germany. I love Europe. I have sympathy for it, and it makes me somewhat sad to see what is happening in Europe."

He continued: "It saddens me to see what is happening in the trade sector. It saddens me to see what is happening in the energy sector, and it saddens me to see what is happening in the field of immigration," repeating many of his most prominent complaints.

Although the visit was not an official state visit, Trump was received with open arms and festive appearances, in a show that reflects the keenness of the leaders in Dublin to avoid any indication of a clash, despite opinion polls showing that a large segment of the Irish people do not support the American president’s policies and do not welcome his visit.