Conor McGregor Meets Donald Trump at White House on St. Patrick’s Day, Sparks Controversy
MMA star Conor McGregor and former US President Donald Trump convened at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day, marking a high-profile meeting in the Oval Office.
McGregor’s Expressions of Admiration and Immigration Comments
The Dublin-born fighter, greeted by the President, expressed his appreciation, stating, “Your work ethic is inspiring.” However, prior to the meeting, McGregor made strong statements on immigration in the White House press room, which prompted criticism from Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who labeled the comments as “wrong.”
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, present with McGregor, commented: “We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St Patrick’s Day.”
Press Conference Details and Criticism of Irish Government
In a subsequent press conference, McGregor discussed his meeting with Trump, which followed Trump’s declaration of McGregor as his favorite Irish person. McGregor stated his intention “to raise the issues that the people of Ireland face.”
- “It will be music to the people of Ireland’s ears because never on the main stage has the issues the people of Ireland face been spoken.”
- “Our government has long since abandoned the voice of the people of Ireland, and it’s high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland.”
He further criticized the Irish government, describing the situation as a “travesty” of inaction and a lack of accountability.
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McGregor’s Stance on Irish Citizens in the US
Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish citizens in the US, McGregor asserted the importance of the US “looking after” Irish citizens.
He further elaborated on the familial relationship between the two nations:
- “Ireland and America we are siblings; we consider America our big sibling.”
- “It is important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, prosperous country.”
- “We wish for our relationship with the United States to continue and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro. The United States should look after its little bro, and that’s how we feel.”
Taoiseach’s Condemnation of McGregor’s Remarks
Taoiseach Micheál Martin swiftly condemned McGregor’s statements on X, stating, “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.”
Taanaiste Clarifies McGregor’s Role
During St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York, Taanaiste Simon Harris clarified that McGregor was not representing Ireland. He stated: “Let me be very clear. Conor McGregor is not here in the United States representing Ireland or the people of Ireland.
- “He’s here in a personal capacity.”
- “He doesn’t speak for Ireland.”
- “He doesn’t speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such, and my views on him are very clear, well established, previously articulated, long-standing and on the public record.”
This article originally appeared on the Irish Mirror.