Paul Ryan jokes that Guinness beers taste better in Ireland, but 'this isn’t the year to bring up trade issues'

pulse

March 15, 2018 7:43 PM

"The Guinness does taste better in Ireland, but I realize this isn’t the year to bring up trade issues," Paul Ryan said, referencing President Trump's tariffs.

During a Friends of Ireland luncheon, House Speaker Paul Ryan cracked a joke about Guinness beer and trade fights.
"The Guinness does taste better in Ireland, but I realize this isn't the year to bring up trade issues," Ryan said.
Ireland is part of the European Union, which is threatening to retaliate against President Donald Trump's new tariffs on steel and aluminum.

During the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon with members of Congress and Irish Prime Minister , House Speaker Paul Ryan decided to crack a few lighthearted, Irish-themed jokes.

One of those jokes appeared to make reference to the ongoing international disagreement over President Donald Trump's recently imposed tariffs.

"The Guinness does taste better in Ireland, but I realize this isn't the year to bring up trade issues," Ryan said, holding up a pint of the iconic Irish beer.

The comment comes just two weeks after Trump announced new tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum.

Ireland's Department of Business expressed concerns after the tariff announcement and also said the country supports the threats of retaliation by the European Union. The EU, of which Ireland is a member, threatened to impose a retaliatory tariff on $6 billion worth of American products including motorcycles.

Ryan himself actually cautioned Trump against the tariffs, but the president went ahead with the restrictions anyway.

Motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin adjacent Ryan's home district.

pulse