In 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that offers an opportunity not only to reflect on our founding ideals, but also to look ahead with confidence and ambition.
The American experiment has always been a living one, shaped by partnership, innovation, and openness to the world. Few relationships embody those qualities more fully than the enduring friendship between the United States and Ireland.
That bond is reflected today in one of the most successful economic relationships anywhere in the world. Total trade and investment between our two countries now exceeds one trillion dollars, supporting jobs, innovation, and growth on both sides of the Atlantic. The foundation of this partnership lies in deep people-to-people ties, with more than 30 million Americans claiming Irish heritage, but its strength today is driven by shared economic vision and mutual trust.
Ireland plays a vital role in the U.S. global economic ecosystem, and the United States is proud to be a long-standing partner in Ireland’s growth. U.S. companies are deeply embedded in Ireland’s economy, employing more than 200,000 people and helping position the country as a global leader in sectors such as technology, life sciences, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, Irish companies continue to expand their footprint across the United States, investing in communities across all 50 states and creating high-quality jobs.
As we look toward the next chapter of the U.S.-Ireland relationship, innovation will be central to our shared success. One of the most important areas for collaboration is artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Just as earlier generations invested in the physical infrastructure that powered economic growth, we now have an opportunity to shape the digital and intellectual infrastructure of the future. By aligning our approaches to research, commercial deployment, and ethical governance, the United States and Ireland can help set global standards that foster innovation while protecting shared values and economic competitiveness.
Diplomacy and partnership remain essential to this effort. Throughout America’s anniversary year, I look forward to convening business leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore opportunities that will define the next phase of our relationship. These discussions will focus on strengthening two-way investment, supporting collaboration in critical infrastructure and defense, and accelerating the responsible adoption of emerging technologies across areas such as energy security and healthcare.
In May, I will lead a delegation of Irish entrepreneurs to the SelectUSA Summit in Washington, D.C., the premier forum for international companies seeking to invest and expand in the United States. The Summit offers Irish firms, whether first-time investors or established multinationals, a direct pathway into one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated consumer markets. Our SelectUSA team is committed to helping Irish businesses scale successfully, deepen their U.S. presence, and create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, we do so with a clear focus on the future. Guided by President Trump’s vision for a bold, innovative, and strategic foreign policy, the United States is committed to strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible economic benefits and long-term security. In this context, Ireland stands out as a trusted friend and indispensable partner, particularly as it prepares to assume the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of the year. With its deep understanding of American business culture and its credibility within Brussels, Ireland is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge across the Atlantic, helping to ensure that U.S. and European priorities remain aligned at a pivotal moment for global cooperation. As Ireland takes on this leadership role, it will play a vital part in advancing shared interests and reinforcing a strong, open, and forward-looking transatlantic relationship.
The U.S.–Ireland partnership is defined by opportunity, shared ambition, and mutual trust. By building on a proven economic foundation and working together to shape the next generation of industries and technologies, we will deepen investment, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable economic gains for both nations.
