Dublin/Washington: Irish mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor sparked controversy during a St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House, where he criticized Ireland’s immigration policies. His remarks drew sharp condemnation from Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and other political leaders.
Dressed in a green pinstripe suit, McGregor met with President Donald Trump and senior administration officials. The visit followed a more traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by Trump for Ireland’s prime minister the previous week.
“Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland,” McGregor declared in the White House press briefing room. “The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country.”
Martin swiftly denounced McGregor’s comments, emphasizing that they did not reflect Ireland’s values. Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also distanced the country from the fighter’s stance, stating that McGregor was not at the White House representing Ireland.
“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,” Martin wrote on social media.
Ireland, historically known for its openness to migrants, has faced challenges in accommodating a surge in asylum seekers over the past two years. The strain on resources has fueled political debate and protests over refugee housing in various regions.
McGregor’s remarks coincided with Trump’s aggressive push for stricter immigration policies. Upon his inauguration to a second term in January, Trump declared illegal immigration a national emergency and introduced new measures to curb it.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt welcomed McGregor’s presence at the event, telling reporters, “We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day.”
The White House did not clarify whether it endorsed McGregor’s comments on Irish immigration.
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McGregor, who has not competed in the UFC since breaking his leg in a 2021 fight, has also faced legal challenges. Last year, an Irish court found him civilly liable for assaulting a woman at a 2018 party in Dublin, ordering him to pay nearly €250,000 ($273,000) in damages. The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, alleged that McGregor sexually assaulted her, a claim he has denied. He is currently appealing the ruling.
The fighter has previously hinted at a potential run for the largely ceremonial role of Irish president in the upcoming October election. However, securing a place on the ballot would be a significant challenge, as candidates must gain the nomination of at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or four of the country’s 31 local councils.
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McGregor’s anti-immigration stance has found little support among Ireland’s political class, many of whom publicly criticized him following his legal battle last November.
Trump’s allies have long backed right-wing and anti-immigrant movements in Europe, while the U.S. president himself has cultivated a close relationship with UFC and its longtime president, Dana White.
