US President Donald Trump aimed criticism at Ireland in a speech about tax reform last night.
Trump made a speech to supporters in St Charles, Missouri last night about how America’s current tax system has incentivised companies to leave the US and set up headquarters elsewhere to avail of lower taxes.
Although initially declaring that he would “not name names” as to which countries have attracted US investment, he went on to single out Ireland moments later.
“For too long our tax code has incentivised companies to leave our country in search of lower tax rates. It happens – many, many companies,” Trump told the crowd.
“They’re going to Ireland. They’re going all over. They’re going all over Asia but they’re stopping because they now want to take advantage of what’s happening and what we’re about to pass hopefully,” he said, referring to his administration’s new tax plan.
It’s well known that Ireland has long been incentivising businesses like Apple, and many more, to set up base in the country.
Countries in Asia and Mexico were also mentioned throughout the speech.
Trump went on to promise to the audience that he would pump “trillions of dollars” back into the US economy referencing a vote which will take place in the Senate today to reform the tax system in the country.
Provided the vote passes, the Senate and House of Representatives, who also published its own version of a tax reform plan on 16 November, will begin negotiations to bring the bill into effect in the new year.
