Conor McGregor’s White House Visit Sparks Outrage Over Anti-Immigration Rant

Conor McGregor visited the White House before a St Patrick’s Day meeting with Donald Trump. While he made public speeches alongside White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, his remarks on immigration in Ireland have compelled the Irish officials to condemn his remarks. 

While the fighter claims that he intends to “raise the issues the people of Ireland face”, here is what the officials have to say. 

The White House Meet

Former UFC Champ Conor McGregor along with his wife and four children visited the White House this Monday. While McGregor’s meeting with Trump was confirmed for the evening, the fighter appeared at the White House press briefing room lectern with press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Dressed in a green business suit to mark Ireland’s national day, the fighter engaged in a Q&A session with reporters. However, as the session progressed, the fighter started going on a rant about immigration in Ireland. 

He made exaggerated claims like  “Ireland is on the cusp of losing its Irishness” and that an “illegal immigration racket” was “running ravage on the country”. He also made comments like “There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop.

pic.twitter.com/hAZGF0zuQP

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 17, 2025

The fighter claimed that he is “here to raise the issue and highlight it.” Donald Trump, who has been making headlines for enforcing mass deportations, has previously acknowledged McGregor, calling him one of his favorite Irish people. The fighter is also the poster boy of UFC, owned by Donald Trump’s ally Dana White.

Trump’s Praise and Social Media Buzz

Trump had already mentioned McGregor during his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin last week, commenting on the fighter’s tattoos and work ethic. This marked McGregor’s first visit with Trump since the latter’s second inauguration in January.
Following McGregor’s visit, the official White House account posted photos and videos of his appearance, further amplifying his presence at the event.

Conor McGregor meets with President Trump in the Oval Office! 🇮🇪🍀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xJB8ZauXAZ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 17, 2025

In addition to Trump, McGregor also met with billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk in the Oval Office. Musk, a close ally of Trump, has been vocal in supporting the administration’s push for a reduced federal government.

.@ElonMusk 🍀 @TheNotoriousMMA pic.twitter.com/YXP3UWUO65

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 17, 2025

Ireland Responds 

The Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland, Micheál Martin, immediately condemned the comments made by the Irish fighter. He took to X to write,

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.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 17, 2025

Irish Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris was also quick to denounce McGregor’s actions as he claimed that the MMA fighter visited Washington DC in a "personal capacity" and that he is not representing the country. Talking to reporters in New York, Harris says  

He doesn't speak for Ireland. He doesn't speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such.

He also said the president is "perfectly entitled" to invite whoever he wishes 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.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) assembly member Matthew O'Toole talked to BBC News NI, describing McGregor's White House appearance as an "insult to the island of Ireland" and "deeply depressing". He further added, 

That Trump and his administration thought on Ireland's national day to invite and clearly make a huge effort to platform and amplify McGregor, who is an appalling individual, is frankly beyond the pale.

McGregor’s Political Aspirations Take a Hit

McGregor’s visit to Washington and his hardline stance on immigration have fueled further speculation about his political ambitions. The fighter has hinted at a possible run for the Irish presidency in October, but his latest comments have deepened the divide between him and the country’s political establishment.

To officially enter the race, McGregor would need the support of at least 20 Irish parliamentarians or four of the country’s 31 local councils—a challenge that seems increasingly unlikely given the widespread condemnation from Irish leaders. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have both distanced the government from McGregor’s remarks, emphasizing that he does not represent the Irish people.

Rather than boosting his political credibility, McGregor’s White House appearance appears to have further alienated him from Ireland’s mainstream politics. While he continues to command a massive following, particularly among younger Irish fans, his latest controversy may have damaged any serious attempt to transition from fighter to politician.

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