Trump Promises to Scrap 15% Tariff on Irish Whiskey

During the trophy‑presenting ceremony of the Irish Open in Doonbeg, Ireland, President Donald Trump took a brief pause from the usual golf‑talk and answered a question that had been buzzing around the clubhouse all day.

“Everybody’s been bugging me to do it,” he said with a grin, before declaring, “On behalf of the United States of America, I am going to take the tariffs off Irish whiskey.” The comment sparked an immediate roar of applause from the crowd.

Since early 2024, Irish whiskey imports have been hit with a 15% tariff that the Trump administration slapped on a range of European Union goods. The duty has been a sore point for Irish producers and U.S. retailers who carry the spirit, creating uncertainty for consumers and pricing hiccups on shelves.

In May, the Irish Whiskey Association lobbied hard for a reversal, arguing that dropping the tariff would help American businesses that feature Irish labels and would bring stability back to the market. The association’s pleas seemed to have finally landed on the president’s radar.

Trump’s announcement follows a similar concession made earlier in the year when he lifted certain duties on U.K. whiskey after a White House visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla. At the time, he boasted on social media that the royal couple “got me to do something that nobody else was able to do, without hardly even asking!”

While the statement was met with cheers on the green, officials did not provide a concrete timeline for when the tariff would actually be removed. Trade experts say the process could take weeks or months, depending on paperwork and coordination with the Treasury Department.

For now, the news has already sent a ripple through bars and liquor stores across the United States. “It’s good for business and good for the consumer,” said a spokesperson for a major U.S. retailer, noting that Irish whiskey sales have been growing steadily despite the extra cost.

As the sun set over the Irish coastline and the final applause faded, Trump’s quick promise added a diplomatic note to what had otherwise been a straightforward sporting event.