By Charles Switzer
2:57am PDT, Mar 14, 2025
Vance's Lucky Socks Steal the Spotlight at the White House
Vice President
J.D. Vance's choice of shamrock-adorned socks for a St. Patrick's Day breakfast with Irish Taoiseach
Micheál Martin drew unexpected praise from President
Donald Trump.
In the middle of discussing inflation, Trump abruptly stopped to acknowledge his second-in-command's festive footwear, joking, "I'm trying to stay focused, but I'm very impressed with the VP's socks."
The moment sparked laughter from the press pool, with Vance explaining that the socks were a diplomatic nod to the Irish leader. Earlier in the day, Vance admitted to reporters that he wasn't sure how Trump would react to the choice, given the president's preference for more traditional styles.
Here's how the Veep's St. Paddy's Day socks went over amid some serious talks…
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A Lighthearted Moment Amid Heavy Trade Talks
Despite the cheerful atmosphere during the meeting, Donald Trump quickly shifted gears to a more serious issue — trade imbalances between the U.S. and Ireland. The president criticized
past American leaders for allowing Ireland to lure American businesses overseas by slashing corporate tax rates in the early 2000s.
"I have great respect for Ireland, for what they did, and they should have done just what they did," Trump said. "But the United States shouldn't have let that happen. We had stupid leaders, we had leaders who didn't have a clue."
The remarks highlighted Trump's ongoing frustration with foreign tax policies that he argues have weakened U.S. competitiveness.
Trump's 2017 Tax Plan and Ireland's Business Boom
While Donald Trump took issue with American companies moving operations to Ireland, his own 2017 tax reforms inadvertently made the country an even more attractive destination for corporations.
By lowering the U.S. corporate tax rate and allowing companies to repatriate profits from abroad, Trump's policy changes encouraged businesses to relocate away from previous tax havens in the Caribbean and toward Ireland's stable and business-friendly environment.
The Washington Post reported that more than 1,000 American companies have established operations in Ireland since the early 2000s, cementing the country's role as a top choice for U.S. firms seeking lower tax burdens.
Vance's Diplomatic Gesture Pays Off
Though J.D. Vance's sock choice was a minor fashion risk, it ended up being a winning move, lightening the mood during what could have been a tense economic discussion.
The vice president's willingness to lean into tradition and humor may reflect his evolving role as Trump's right-hand man — striking a balance between
loyalty and personality.
The moment also showcased the contrast between Donald Trump's often combative approach to diplomacy and Vance's more subtle, symbolic gestures.
A Meeting Marked by Both Charm and Challenge
The St. Patrick's Day breakfast at the White House proved to be a mix of lighthearted moments and tough economic discussions. While Donald Trump's admiration for J.D. Vance's socks added an unexpected touch of humor, the meeting was ultimately dominated by Trump's frustration over U.S.-Ireland trade relations.
As the
Biden-era economic shifts continue to play out, Ireland's position as a corporate tax haven remains a point of contention for Trump, even as he engages with its leadership in more traditional diplomatic ceremonies.
