(Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include new information.)
UFC star Conor McGregor arrived at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day for what he described as “the most important meeting of (Ireland’s) future” with President Donald Trump.
McGregor elaborated on the nature of his Monday visit – in which he met with Trump administration officials – during a surprise briefing at the podium of the White House press room flanked by press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“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 has the issues 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 going on in Ireland. What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the government of zero action 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 that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. The 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.”
.@TheNotoriousMMA is in D.C. to raise 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 have nothing 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 at the White House, took to X to denounce McGregor’s message.
“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, 36, is only months removed from an Irish civil court jury finding him liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand. He’s also facing a lawsuit in 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 liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll in 1996.
While McGregor hasn’t competed in the octagon since breaking his leg during a July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, he’s become more vocal on Irish politics. McGregor in particular 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 are siblings,” McGregor said. “We consider America our big sibling. It’s important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, prosperous country for the 40 million Irish Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home. We wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro. United States should look after 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 came together in the Oval Office for a photo op.
“Your work ethic is inspiring” @TheNotoriousMMA to President @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/0uMJUj2Tbw
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) March 17, 2025
