Beauty queens, corporate titans and Michael Flatley gather for Trump’s meandering address

In a notably early start to the day, US President Donald Trump’s arrival in Dublin was preceded by a blend of eclectic music and high-profile guests at the US ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park. By 6:30 a.m., the sound system at Deerfield was already playing the Village People’s YMCA as the venue prepared for an event that would mix political theatre with cultural flair.

The gathering drew a diverse group of attendees, ranging from current and former Irish legislators—especially numerous members of Fine Gael—to influential figures from major multinational corporations such as Amazon, Meta, Google, and Stripe. Alongside them were representatives from conservative media and activist circles, including journalists and campaigners known for their politically charged stances.

Among the distinguished but less visible attendees were leading business magnates like Denis O’Brien, Dermot Desmond, and Michael O’Leary, who opted for a private meeting with Trump rather than participating in the general mingling. The event also attracted a touch of celebrity and cultural heritage, with iconic Irish dancer Michael Flatley offering insights into his personal connection with the president and even performing a brief flute piece.

The atmosphere was punctuated by a carefully curated playlist that reflected Trump’s personal brand and tastes. Alongside national anthems, guests were treated to an array of songs ranging from Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” to the theatrical flair of “Thriller” and even the theme music associated with WWE’s Undertaker. This mix underscored the event’s hybrid nature—a blend of formal diplomacy, entertainment, and spectacle.

Despite the early hour, a notable segment of Ireland’s political leadership was absent, with several cabinet members declining the invitation for various reasons, including scheduling conflicts. Attendance uncertainties also emerged, such as a reported misdirected invitation to a prominent political figure.

When Trump took the stage, he was met with a standing ovation as “God Bless the USA” played. His address lasted over half an hour and traversed familiar themes from his previous rhetoric: economic triumphs, criticisms of political opponents, military strength, immigration policy, and skepticism towards diversity and inclusion initiatives. The speech also included some unexpected references, notably his controversial remarks endorsing the idea of a united Ireland, which he described as an appealing prospect.

Throughout the speech, Trump oscillated between charm and confrontation, often digressing into personal anecdotes and political grievances. He expressed frustration over Irish companies’ success in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, framing it within a broader narrative of competitive loss. The tone shifted unpredictably, veering from praise of Irish hospitality to jabs at his own diplomatic arrangements, including a tongue-in-cheek critique of the event’s tent setup.

Trump’s performance was marked by moments of levity and tension, including playful interactions with security personnel and boasts concerning his foreign policy achievements. However, as the address progressed, the audience—many having endured the early start and standing throughout—began to lose engagement. The commentary sometimes lacked coherence, with occasional slips in geographic references and repeated assertions about the 2020 election outcome.

The event’s theatrical elements, which initially contributed to a lively ambiance, gradually gave way to the more rugged and unpredictable aspects of Trump’s public persona. While some remarks sparked surprise or amusement, others appeared to be intentionally provocative without substantive follow-through.

Concluding his visit, Trump departed for his property in Doonbeg, mimicking a golf swing as the Village People’s YMCA played him off. The morning’s proceedings illustrated a complex intersection of diplomatic engagement, political posturing, and cultural symbolism, leaving observers with a vivid impression of the distinctive style that characterizes Trump’s approach to public events.

Details about the full scope of interactions during the visit and subsequent discussions remain limited, but the event reinforced the unique blend of spectacle and substance that often accompanies Trump’s international appearances, especially when intertwined with music, celebrity, and political theatre.