Conor McGregor has never been one to hold back his opinions, whether in the UFC or outside of it.
On Monday, the Irish mixed martial arts star took his outspoken nature to the White House, using his platform to condemn what he called an ‘illegal immigration racket ravaging our country.’
His comments came during a press conference ahead of his meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A Bold Message on Irish Identity
Dressed in a striking green three-piece suit, McGregor expressed deep concerns about immigration policies in Ireland.
He warned that the country was on the brink of ‘losing its Irishness’ and accused the Irish government of failing to take action.
‘Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people,’ he said passionately.
He also claimed that some rural towns had been ‘overrun in one swoop,’ making native Irish people a minority overnight.
His remarks were aimed not just at Ireland but also at the 40 million Irish Americans, whom he urged to pay attention to these issues before ‘there is no place to come home and visit.’
Meeting with Trump: A Change in Tune
McGregor’s presence at the White House came after Trump recently praised him as one of his ‘favorite Irish people.’
The two met in the Oval Office, shaking hands in front of a map labeled ‘Gulf of America.’
It marked a stark contrast from a decade ago when McGregor had dismissed Trump, saying, ‘Donald can shut his big fat mouth.’
Now, however, the two seemed to share common ground, with McGregor even describing Trump’s ‘work ethic’ as ‘inspiring.’
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt welcomed McGregor warmly, saying, ‘We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day.’
Irish Politicians Push Back
Not everyone in Ireland was thrilled about McGregor’s political statements.
Irish leader Micheál Martin criticized his remarks, saying they did not ‘reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.’
He emphasized that the holiday was about ‘community, humanity, friendship, and fellowship.’
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris was even more direct, clarifying that McGregor was not in the U.S. as an official representative of Ireland. ‘He doesn’t speak for Ireland or the people of Ireland.
He has no mandate to do so,’ Harris stated.
McGregor’s Political Ambitions
Though he has never held office, McGregor has not been shy about his political aspirations.
In December 2023, he floated the idea of running for president of Ireland, arguing that he would be the ‘only logical choice.’
Comparing himself to established politicians like Gerry Adams, Bertie Ahern, and Enda Kenny, McGregor emphasized his youth and independence from traditional party politics.
‘I listen. I support. I adapt,’ he declared, positioning himself as a fresh alternative.
His ambitions gained unexpected support from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who encouraged his potential candidacy, saying, ‘I think you could take them all single-handed. Not even fair.’
Controversies and the Far-Right Connection
McGregor’s political rhetoric has often aligned with nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments.
His comments on crime, particularly after a stabbing incident in Dublin in late 2023, were widely criticized.
He blamed the attack on immigration policies, stating, ‘There is grave danger among us in Ireland that should never be here in the first place.’
The situation escalated when riots broke out in Dublin, leading to millions of euros in damages.
Although McGregor later distanced himself from the violence, analysts noted that his comments had contributed to the rising anti-immigration discourse.
Will McGregor Actually Run for Office?
As Ireland gears up for its presidential election in October 2025, McGregor has only a few months left to make his move.
To get on the ballot, he would need the backing of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities—a significant challenge given Ireland’s political landscape.
While McGregor continues to hint at a political future, his recent White House appearance has only fueled speculation.
When asked at Trump’s inauguration in January 2025 whether he would run, McGregor gave a cryptic response: ‘We will see. We will see. We will see.’
One thing is clear—whether in sports or politics, McGregor knows how to keep the world talking.