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Just two months into Donald Trump’s second presidency, with the impact of his tariffs and foreign policies being felt around the globe, reporter Paul Colgan travels to the US to assess the situation. Could the new administration destabilise Northern Ireland’s economy and the peace process?

Richard Haass, ex-special envoy to NI, tells Paul there is no longer a special relationship between America and the UK, and that this is becoming the case for Ireland too. He says the America First approach is here to stay beyond a Trump presidency.

Paul hears from experts that if Trump ends up treating Europe differently to the UK, EU tariffs would apply at the point of entry between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This could lead to a complicated situation for companies reliant on US imports. One such company already having to navigate Trump’s latest steel tariffs tells Paul it is having a real effect on their business. Sammy Wilson admits the looming trade war could threaten his passion for Harley-Davidson bikes, with the EU planning to impose a reciprocal tariff on the brand. He says he won’t stand for Northern Ireland being treated differently to the rest of the UK and expects Keir Starmer to stand up to Trump.

In New York, Paul meets Belfast-born entrepreneur Michael George, a friend of the Trump family. Michael says the president is the ultimate dealmaker. He warns that Ireland and Europe need to think about what they can offer him. With the political agenda in Washington developing at such pace, Paul meets members of the Irish-American community – traditionally the strong link between Ireland, Northern Ireland and US politics. He hears their view that Ireland and the peace process are no longer their priority, and that they too believe in America First.