Pool report #12/shamrock bowl

President Trump spoke for about 18 minutes.

Noted that "I spent the whole day with the Irish" which, he said, was better than spending it with Iranians.

Again refers to Iran operations as an "excursion." Talks up the East Wing renovation, DHS nominee Sen. Markwayne Mullin ("brutal human being," he joked), the SAVE America Act etc.

Teased the USTR about needing to do more to address the $40 billion trade deficit with Ireland.

More recitation of Irish Americans and their contributions.

Mentions one guest: Os Guinness, a descendant of the brewer. Trump called him a "great Irish born scholar of American history ... who's written more than a dozen books on the American founding."

PM Martin spoke for 9 minutes.

Largely covered the same ground as earlier. Long standing ties between our nations. Lots of Irish in the Continental Army. 23 US presidents with Irish roots. US helped end the troubles. Hopes for peace.

"Our own recent history has convinced us that dialogue, negotiation and deescalation are the ways to make progress, and we especially want to see progress and peace in the Middle East, as I know you do. And we also need a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine."

And then the big moment:

"It is hard to imagine the United States without the contribution of the Irish and Ireland without the friendship of the United States. Today, I will present this bowl of shamrock in memory of all the brave Irish men and Irish women who came here and who believed in the American promise of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness."

Todd Gillman

Washington Bureau director

Cronkite News

[EMAIL ADDRESS]

m: XXX-XXX-XXXX