Irish political leaders have stated that Conor McGregor does not represent Ireland following his visit to the White House for a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Earlier, McGregor had told reporters that he intended to raise concerns about immigration issues in Ireland during his conversation with the president.
Accompanied by his partner and four children, the controversial MMA fighter praised Trump’s work ethic as “inspiring” during their meeting in the Oval Office.
Trump, in turn, commended McGregor’s work ethic, calling him “fantastic.”
Last week, during a meeting at the White House with Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, President Trump praised McGregor’s tattoos.
The fighter had also attended President Trump’s inauguration in January.
In 2024, a woman who accused McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel won a civil case against him for damages. A jury found that he had assaulted her and ordered him to pay over €248,000 (£206,000).
Earlier on Monday, McGregor appeared at the White House press briefing room alongside press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who confirmed that the meeting was scheduled for later in the day.
Ms. Leavitt expressed, “I couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The fighter stated that he planned to “address the issues the people of Ireland face.”
He criticized the Irish government for “abandoning” the voices of the people, particularly in regard to immigration policies.
“What is happening in Ireland is a travesty,” he remarked.
“Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people,” he added.
McGregor has previously voiced opposition to Ireland’s immigration and asylum seeker policies.
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin criticized McGregor’s remarks, posting on social media: “St. Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship. Conor McGregor’s comments are wrong and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, nor the views of the people of Ireland,” Martin added.
Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris also stated that McGregor’s visit to Washington DC was in a “personal capacity” and that he does not represent the country.
“He doesn’t speak for Ireland. He doesn’t speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do so,” Harris said to reporters in New York.
He emphasized that the president is “perfectly entitled” to invite anyone he chooses to the White House. “But let me be very clear, Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland.”
Matthew O’Toole, a Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member, described McGregor’s White House appearance as “an insult to the island of Ireland” and “deeply depressing.”
“That Trump and his administration thought to invite McGregor on Ireland’s national day, and clearly made a huge effort to platform and amplify someone who is an appalling individual, is frankly beyond the pale,” he told BBC News NI.
On Monday, McGregor was also pictured alongside Elon Musk in the Oval Office. Musk, a close ally of the US president, is leading efforts to reduce the size of the federal government.
