Donald Trump suddenly removes Irish whiskey tariffs after speaking to golfer

16:54 ET, Sun, Sep 13, 2026 Updated: 16:54 ET, Sun, Sep 13, 2026

Donald Trump attended this week's Irish Open (Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Donald Trump electrified the Irish Open audience when he revealed he was eliminating his tariffs on Irish Whiskey, crediting a discussion with champion Shane Lowry as influential in his decision.

Prime Minister Micheal Martin looked on as Trump took the microphone during the ceremony at his Doonbeg resort. The U.S. President praised Lowry's remarkable performance, as he dominated the competition to win by 11 shots and claim his national open championship for the second time.

Trump received an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd in Co. Clare; scattered boos were overwhelmed by applause from the galleries, which flooded onto the fairway to witness the hometown favorite sink his closing putt. He thrilled attendees by sharing details of a private conversation with Lowry the evening before his victory.

"Ireland itself has been so incredible, so inviting, and we're very honored by presenting you with a great course. It's been great," he addressed the crowd.

It seems Shane Lowry has a way with the U.S. President (Image: Getty Images)

"I want to mention one thing, Taoiseach. I talked about it, and Shane talked about it, and everybody's been bugging me; they're saying, 'Would you do me a favor? It's so unfair what's going on. Could you possibly take the tariffs off of Irish whiskey?'

"And I said, on behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off!"

The Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) was quick to respond to the announcement, expressing confidence that eliminating the tariffs would prove mutually beneficial.

The group said: "The IWA heartily welcomes President Donald Trump's announcement today that the tariff on Irish Whiskey in the USA is to be removed.

"Nothing exemplifies the US-Ireland trade relationship better than Irish Whiskey. Last year, Irish Whiskey exports to the USA were worth €450 million, while Irish distillers collectively purchased €80 million worth of US whiskey casks.

"This relationship represents thousands of jobs and millions in investment on both sides of the Atlantic, and the return to tariff-free trade for our Irish Whiskey distillers will strengthen this success and lead to further growth and investment.

"We will continue to work with our EU and US counterparts to secure a return to the zero-for-zero arrangement for all drinks exports.

"The IWA would like to thank all those who advocated tirelessly for our sector, in Dublin, Brussels, Washington, D.C. and elsewhere and look forward to seeing this announcement fully implemented."