MMA star Conor McGregor was invited to the White House for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. He needed to be careful with his words because he had been accused of some legal sexual assault, but he wasn’t.
Instead, he used the moment to share his strong opinions about Ireland’s immigration policies. The Irish Prime Minister quickly responded, criticizing the 36-year-old for his comments that destroyed his cozy visit to the White House.
During his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Conor McGregor said that Ireland was “on the cusp of losing its Irishness” because of rising immigration. He made these comments on St. Patrick’s Day, which upset many Irish leaders.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin called McGregor’s words “wrong” and said they went against the holiday’s spirit. He explained that St. Patrick’s Day is about “community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship.” He made it clear that McGregor’s comments didn’t reflect what the day is truly about or what the Irish people believe.
🚨 Ireland’s Prime Minister has now CONDEMNED Conor McGregor’s White House visit after he spoke about illegal immigration:
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) March 17, 2025
“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.”
via @MichealMartinTD pic.twitter.com/Wj6KTsFDGY
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris also spoke out, saying McGregor “does not speak for Ireland.” He criticized the fighter for using his platform to spread negative ideas.
Harris also added, “I don’t want to comment on a matter that may well end up before the courts again other than to say I’ve spoken to Nikita Hand, I admire her bravery, her courage, and I’d much rather be talking about Nikita Hand than Conor McGregor, quite frankly.”
🚨 Conor McGregor’s White House visit has now been condemned by the Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland who brings up his r*pe court case
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) March 17, 2025
"He's here in a personal capacity, he doesn't speak for Ireland. He doesn't speak for the people of Ireland”
"I don’t want to comment on a… pic.twitter.com/NcNgf3mlqh
Dublin Rape Crisis CEO also critiques Conor McGregor’s White House visit
Conor McGregor’s recent visit to the White House has sparked criticism from Rachel Morrogh, the CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre as well. She sent a letter to the US Embassy in Ireland, saying her group deals with the trauma of sexual violence every day.
So @JDVance — Conor McGregor was found accountable for committing a violent rape, and he was your guest at the White House today, so I don’t actually think you give a shit about foreign rapists being in America. pic.twitter.com/HjcG4HprMJ
— 𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚎𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚍𝙰𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎 🇨🇦 (@LeaveHeardAlone) March 18, 2025
She said, “I believe these events undermine the efforts of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and other organisations that are working towards the elimination of sexual violence.”
The letter asked the embassy to share these concerns with the Trump administration.
