President Donald Trump welcomed the Taoiseach of Ireland to the White House, where the two leaders participated in a St. Patrick's Day Reception, as trade tensions between the United States and the EU escalate.

During his meeting with the Irish prime minister, Trump expressed optimism about the economy and inflation, and defended his decision to reduce the size of the Department of Education as part of his efforts to return control of schools to individual states.

On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency began rolling back the Biden administration's rule requiring carmakers to dramatically reduce carbon emissions for 2027 light- and medium-sized vehicles. He also cut $20 billion in funding for projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.

Senate Democrats are divided over government funding ahead of a Friday deadline, with some warning that a shutdown could empower Trump. Republicans will need the support of at least seven Democrats to pass the stopgap bill in the Senate.