(Editor’s note: This story has been updated to incorporate latest information.)
UFC star Conor McGregor arrived on the White House on St. Patrick’s Day for what he described as “crucial meeting of (Ireland’s) future” with President Donald Trump.
McGregor elaborated on the character of his Monday visit – during which he met with Trump administration officials – during a surprise briefing at the rostrum of the White House press room flanked by press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“I’m here to boost the problems the people of Ireland face,” McGregor said. “It’ll be music to the people of Ireland’s ears because never on the major stage has the problems that Ireland face been spoke. Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland, and it’s high time that America is made aware of what is happening in Ireland. What is happening in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the federal government of zero motion with zero accountability. Our money is being spent on overseas issues that has nothing to do with the Irish people.
“The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland which were overrun in a single swoop, which have develop into a minority in a single swoop. The problems have to be addressed, and the 40 million Irish Americans need to listen to this. Because if not, there will probably be no place to return home and visit.”
.@TheNotoriousMMA is in D.C. to boost issues that Ireland faces (including illegal immigration). “Our government abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland. Our money is being spent overseas on issues that don’t have anything to do with the Irish people.”
— Toria Brooke ☘️ (@realtoriabrooke) March 17, 2025
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who had a combative visit with Trump last week on the White House, took to X to denounce McGregor’s message.
“St. Patrick’s Day all over the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship,” Martin wrote. “Conor McGregor’s remarks are mistaken, and don’t reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.”
McGregor, 36, is barely months faraway from an Irish civil court jury finding him responsible for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand. He’s also facing a lawsuit within the U.S. alleging sexual battery at a 2023 NBA Finals game in Miami.
Still, he was invited to the White House by Trump, who in 2023 was found responsible for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll in 1996.
While McGregor hasn’t competed within the octagon since breaking his leg during a July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, he’s develop into more vocal on Irish politics. McGregor particularly has taken a page out of Trump’s political playbook by sounding the alarm on what he says is a failing Irish government that’s soft on illegal immigration and high on wasteful spending.
So he’s turning to Trump for help.
“Ireland and America, we’re siblings,” McGregor said. “We consider America our big sibling. It’s necessary for Ireland to be a peaceful, glad, prosperous country for the 40 million Irish Americans to have a spot to go to, to return back to their home. We wish for our relationship with the USA to proceed, and we want to be taken care of by the massive bro. United States should take care of its little bro.”
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY FROM CONOR MCGREGOR AT THE WHITE HOUSE! 🍀🇺🇸 @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/YQPQDttUXB
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 17, 2025
Later Monday afternoon, McGregor and Trump got here together within the Oval Office for a photograph op.
“Your work ethic is inspiring” @TheNotoriousMMA to President @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/0uMJUj2Tbw
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) March 17, 2025
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