Irish UFC star Conor McGregor criticized his government’s lack of accountability and mass immigration policies during a visit to the White House on Monday. While in Washington, D.C., he met with President Donald Trump and other administration officials.
McGregor, who has hinted at a potential run for the Irish presidency in September 2024, took the podium at a White House press briefing to denounce the failures of Ireland’s leadership. He emphasized the deep historical connection between Ireland and the United States, calling for a stronger relationship between the two nations:
“Ireland and America, we are siblings. We can consider America our big sibling, so 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… The United States should look after its little bro.”
When asked about U.S.-EU trade disputes, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt intervened, stating that McGregor was present to meet with Trump later in the day. She described McGregor as a fitting guest for the White House’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
McGregor used the platform to highlight pressing issues in Ireland, stating that his government has ignored the voices of its people. He denounced the Irish government’s inaction, claiming public funds are being misused on foreign issues instead of addressing domestic concerns.
“The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country,” McGregor said. “There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop.”
Before leaving, McGregor signed a “Make Ireland Great Again” hat. He later confirmed meetings with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
