Former mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor is facing strong criticism from Ireland’s leader after making controversial anti-immigration statements during his visit to the White House. McGregor, 36, was in Washington, D.C., for a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump when he accused the Irish government of neglecting its citizens and allowing rural towns to be “overrun by immigrants.”
McGregor’s Controversial Statements
During a press briefing at the White House on Monday, McGregor claimed that Ireland was at risk of “losing its Irishness” and criticized his home country’s approach to immigration policies.
“Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness,” McGregor declared. “Our government has abandoned the voices of the Irish people.”
McGregor also suggested that Irish Americans needed to be aware of the current situation in Ireland, describing it as a “travesty” and criticizing Irish leaders for their perceived inaction.
“So, issues need to be addressed, and the 40 million Irish Americans need to hear this,” McGregor said. “I’m here to raise the issue and highlight it.”
Irish Leader Micheál Martin Condemns Remarks
Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin swiftly responded to McGregor’s comments, denouncing them as misrepresentative of Irish values and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
“These remarks are wrong and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or the views of the people of Ireland,” Martin said in a statement.
On social media platform X, Martin emphasized that St. Patrick’s Day is “a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship” and rejected McGregor’s divisive rhetoric.
McGregor’s History of Controversial Statements
This is not the first time McGregor has expressed strong views on immigration. Since 2022, he has openly supported protests against immigration policies in Ireland, and his social media posts have been widely circulated by groups linked to far-right ideologies.
His stance on immigration has sparked debates in Ireland, with some of his supporters backing his concerns, while others see his rhetoric as inflammatory and harmful.
Trump’s Comments on McGregor
Before McGregor’s controversial statements, Trump had spoken positively about the fighter. When asked about his favorite Irish person, Trump responded:
“Oh, there’s so many — are you kidding me? Well, I do happen to like your fighter. He’s got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen. Conor’s great, right? I’m talking about Conor.”
Legal Troubles and Public Image
McGregor, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), remains a polarizing figure in Ireland and beyond. His high-profile career has been overshadowed by multiple legal issues and allegations.
In January, a woman filed a civil lawsuit against McGregor, accusing him of sexual battery during the 2023 NBA Finals in Miami. While the Miami-Dade state attorney declined to press charges, McGregor denied the allegations.
Additionally, in late 2024, a civil jury in Dublin awarded €250,000 ($257,000) in damages to Nikita Hand, who accused McGregor of sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor testified that the encounter was consensual and vowed to appeal the verdict.
What’s Next for McGregor?
Despite his controversies, McGregor has hinted at a future in politics, even suggesting he may run for the Irish presidency. However, his political aspirations remain uncertain as public backlash against his statements grows.
While McGregor’s remarks have sparked intense debate, they also highlight ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies in Ireland. Whether his statements will influence political discourse remains to be seen.
