Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor is set to meet President Donald Trump at the White House during a Saint Patrick’s Day visit.
On Monday morning, McGregor joined press secretary Karoline Leavitt in the briefing room, where he criticized his country’s government, claiming it had “abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland.” He condemned what he described as “zero action with zero accountability” and voiced concerns over the “illegal immigration racket.”
“Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland. Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people. The illegal immigration racket is running ravaged on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop,” McGregor said.
Associated Press
Why It Matters
Ireland has faced growing challenges related to immigration in recent years, as an influx of asylum seekers and economic migrants has sparked political and social debates, along with the Dublin riots in 2023.
The country has seen a surge in arrivals, particularly from non-European Union nations, straining housing, healthcare and public services. The government’s use of hotels and emergency accommodations to house asylum seekers has drawn criticism from both advocates and local communities, with concerns over overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
What to Know
Last week, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin met with President Trump at the White House as part of the longstanding tradition of Irish leaders meeting with the U.S. President around St. Patrick’s Day.
During this visit, Martin and Trump addressed several pressing issues, including trade relations and international conflicts.
Trump also praised McGregor, noting his admiration for the fighter’s tattoos and acknowledging Ireland’s history of producing formidable fighters. Trump told Martin, “I do happen to like your fighter; he’s got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen. Conor’s great, right? Talking about Conor, but you have a lot of great Irish fighters actually. Great fighters.”
McGregor attended President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, marking a notable intersection of sports and politics. McGregor’s presence underscored his alignment with Trump’s administration and the broader right-wing political sphere.
During the inauguration festivities, McGregor was seen alongside prominent figures such as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White, podcaster and MMA announcer Joe Rogan, along with internet personalities and fighters Jake and Logan Paul. Notably, McGregor shared a bus ride with the Paul brothers to the event, highlighting a moment of camaraderie despite previous public tensions.
McGregor’s attendance at the inauguration aligns with his recent political engagements. On several occasions, he has hinted at potential political ambitions, including a possible run for the presidency of Ireland.
“I’m here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face. You know, it’ll be music to the people of Ireland’s ears. Because, never on the main stage, have the issues the people of Ireland face been spoken about,” he said Monday at the White House.
“It’s high time that America is made aware of what’s going on in Ireland. What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is a government of zero action and zero accountability.”
What People Are Saying
Martin posted Monday on X: “St. Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship. Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.”
Following an assassination attempt on Trump in July 2024, McGregor praised the President’s resilience, stating: “A 78-year-old multiple billionaire—he should be on a yacht on the Med, touring golf courses. But he is not. He is in Pennsylvania, spitting out bullets! Running for the love of his country! God speed, Donald! God bless the United States.”
What Happens Next
Leavitt confirmed that McGregor would meet with the president and other administration officials during his White House visit.
“I will say, Conor is here to meet with the president. He’ll be meeting with him this afternoon. We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on Saint Patrick’s Day.”
Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.
Update: 3/17/25, 12:12 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 3/17/25, 12:36 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 3/17/25, 12:50 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 3/17/25, 2:21 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
Update: 3/17/25, 2:39 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
