Conor McGregor, the renowned Irish MMA fighter facing sexual assault allegations in multiple countries, including the United States, attracted attention on Monday during a visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
While in the White House briefing room, McGregor voiced strong criticism of illegal immigration, claiming it was “ravaging” his homeland of Ireland. Dressed in a green-tinted business suit to mark the occasion, McGregor joined Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt for an impromptu Q&A with reporters.
He emphasised the strain illegal immigration was placing on Ireland, particularly rural areas, claiming that certain towns were “overrun in one swoop.” McGregor warned that Ireland was “at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness” due to these issues. The 36-year-old former UFC star stated that his visit aimed to bring attention to the matter, mentioning that he would also listen to Trump, who has focused on ramping up immigration enforcement during his 2024 campaign.
McGregor’s remarks come during the rising popularity of MMA, which has found significant support, especially among male voters, many of whom also follow UFC, a league McGregor helped propel to new heights.
Earlier this year, Trump expressed admiration for McGregor during a visit by Ireland’s prime minister.
Known as “The Notorious,” McGregor is one of the most famous and financially successful figures in UFC. His outspoken and provocative personality, often paired with controversial anti-immigration sentiments, has made him a polarising figure.
In addition to his sports career, McGregor has faced multiple legal troubles, including a court order in November 2024 to pay damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a Dublin hotel in 2018, which McGregor denied, claiming the encounter was consensual. He was also sued in January 2025 for alleged sexual assault at an NBA game in Miami.
Towards the end of 2024, McGregor had hinted at running for president in Ireland, receiving the endorsement of Tesla’s billionaire CEO, Elon Musk, who is now a prominent adviser to Trump.
