Conor McGregor draws Irish leaders' outrage after anti-immigration comments at White House

Irish leaders have denounced anti-immigration remarks made by Conor McGregor during his appearance at the White House before a St. Patrick’s Day meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking in the White House briefing room on Monday, McGregor stated that the Irish government had "abandoned the voices" of the Irish people and asserted that rural towns in Ireland were being overwhelmed by immigrants.

“Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness,” he said.

McGregor, who was at the White House to meet US President Donald Trump on St. Patrick's Day, has previously expressed interest in running for president in his home country.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin swiftly condemned McGregor's comments, stating that the fighter's remarks were incorrect and "did not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick's Day or the views of the people of Ireland."

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

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris stated that Mr. McGregor does not represent Ireland or its people.

Speaking in New York, Mr. Harris remarked that it is up to Mr. Trump to invite whomever he chooses into his home, adding that "he’s perfectly entitled to do whatever he wishes regarding who he decides to invite 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," he added.

The Tánaiste said Mr McGregor is in the US in "a personal capacity".

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

I’m here in New York City where I’ve seen so much that is great about Irish-America.

Conor McGregor is not in the US representing Ireland, he doesn’t speak for Ireland, or its people. pic.twitter.com/rVWPtEaVO7

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 17, 2025

Dublin North-West TD Rory Hearne also added via X that "Conor McGregor does not represent Ireland, our views or values. We are a welcoming country with our history of emigration. Our housing & health crises are not caused by immigration but by Government failures".

Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile

Conor McGregor does not represent Ireland, our views or values

We are a welcoming country with our history of emigration

Our housing & health crises are not caused by immigration but by Government failures pic.twitter.com/bghGK9hZaF

— Rory Hearne (@RoryHearneGaffs) March 17, 2025

Former SDLP and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood posted to X, remarking that "Conor McGregor has never been elected to anything, he doesn’t represent the Irish people. In fact, we’re all pretty embarrassed by him."

Conor McGregor has never been elected to anything, he doesn’t represent the Irish people. In fact, we’re all pretty embarrassed by him.

— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) March 17, 2025

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also commented on McGregor's visit, stating via Instagram: "Conor is a convicted criminal and a rapist. Good Irish dads teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him".

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says of Conor McGregor: “Conor is a convicted criminal and a rapist. Good Irish dads teach their sons to detest men like Conor and their daughters to avoid men like him” pic.twitter.com/SGy85vtoet

— Shane Beatty 🎙️ (@ShaneBeattyNews) March 17, 2025

In a January civil lawsuit, a woman accused McGregor of sexual battery during the 2023 NBA Finals in Miami. The incident was investigated by police, but the Miami-Dade state attorney chose not to file charges against him. McGregor has denied the allegations, calling them false.

In November, a civil jury in Dublin awarded nearly 250,000 euros in damages to Nikita Hand, a woman who accused McGregor of "brutally raping and battering" her in a Dublin hotel in 2018. McGregor testified that their encounter was consensual and pledged to appeal the verdict.