UFC star Conor McGregor visited the White House to meet with President Donald Trump and discuss illegal immigration issues.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has been out of the octagon for some time and was recently found liable for sexual abuse. Despite his current legal troubles, the Irishman has been outspoken about Ireland’s immigration policies and has even hinted at a possible run for office in the future. McGregor has shared his views on social media, particularly on X , and was recently invited to the White House for a face-to-face meeting with the president, where he also addressed the media.
“I’m here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face,” McGregor said. “It’ll be music to the people of Ireland’s ears because never on the main stage have the issues that Ireland faces been spoken about. Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the Irish people, and it’s high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland.
“What is happening in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is one of zero action and zero accountability. Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people.
“The illegal immigration racket is running rampant in the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, turning the native population into a minority overnight. These issues need to be addressed, and the 40 million Irish Americans need to hear this. Because if not, there will be no place to come home and visit.”
McGregor also emphasized the strong historical bond between Ireland and the United States.
“Ireland and America—we are siblings,” McGregor said. “We consider America our big sibling. It’s important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, and prosperous country, so the 40 million Irish Americans have a place to visit and return to. We wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we hope to be looked after by our ‘big bro.’ The United States should look after its little bro.”
McGregor has long admired the American president, and Trump has reciprocated the sentiment. The U.S. president has attended several MMA events and recently praised McGregor during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
“I do happen to like your fighter,” Trump said. “He’s got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen.”
McGregor, in turn, was enthusiastic about his visit to the White House, telling Trump, “Your work ethic is inspiring.”
Despite McGregor’s call for unity between Ireland and the United States, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin was displeased with some of his comments. In a post on X, Martin criticized McGregor’s remarks.
“St. Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship,” Martin wrote. “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.”
McGregor is months removed from an Irish civil court jury finding him liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand. He is also facing a lawsuit in the U.S. alleging sexual battery at a 2023 NBA Finals game in Miami. Nonetheless, UFC CEO Dana White has stated that McGregor is expected to return to fighting in the fall, though fans remain uncertain if this will actually happen.
