Trump says: “We love Portugal” in Independence Day message to ambassador

United States President Donald Trump has declared “We love Portugal” and hinted at a possible future visit in a recorded message for the US ambassador to Portugal, released ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The video, shared by US Ambassador to Portugal John J. Arrigo on social media, will be played during the US Embassy’s Fourth of July celebrations in Lisbon.

“It was an honour that President Donald J. Trump recorded this message for me and for the people of Portugal to be broadcast during our Fourth of July celebration,” Arrigo wrote. “It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to serve this administration in such an incredible country.”

In the video, Trump praises the ambassador before turning his attention to Portugal.

“Portugal has a great friend of mine as ambassador, John Arrigo. He’s a fantastic person who made a great deal of money in the automobile industry, and then decided to become an ambassador,” Trump says.

“I gave him several options, and he chose Portugal. Maybe it was because of your great golf courses…”

Trump goes on to commend Arrigo’s work in Lisbon.

“John, you’re doing a great job. We love Portugal and we’re looking forward to being with you one day—perhaps very soon.”

The remark is likely to fuel renewed speculation over a presidential visit to Portugal.

During Trump’s first term, in 2019, reports suggested he could stop in Portugal following the G7 summit in France after receiving an invitation from then-President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Those reports were later denied by the US Embassy in Lisbon, and the visit never materialised.

This year’s celebrations carry particular significance as they mark 250 years since the adoption of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the document that established the United States as an independent nation.

The anniversary has been commemorated throughout 2026 with events across the United States and at American diplomatic missions worldwide, including in Portugal.

Portugal and the United States have maintained close diplomatic ties for decades, underpinned by cooperation in defence, trade and political affairs. Both countries are NATO allies, with Portugal hosting the strategically important Lajes Air Base in the Azores, which continues to play a significant role in transatlantic security.

While Trump stopped short of announcing any travel plans, his closing remark that he hopes to be in Portugal “perhaps very soon” is likely to attract attention in both Lisbon and Washington – particularly with next week’s NATO summit in Ankara expected to bring together allied leaders.

Sources: noticiasaominuto/ SIC Notícias

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.