Conor McGregor meets US President Donald Trump at White House | Global News Avenue

Irish political leaders say Conor McGregor did not represent Ireland after visiting the White House at St. Patrick’s Day meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Earlier, McGregor told reporters that he would express concerns about immigration in Ireland when he talks to the president.

Accompanied by his partner and four children, the controversial MMA fighter praised the president for his work ethics as “inspiring” when he met him in the Oval Office.

Trump praised McGregor for his own work rate and called him “awesome.”

Last week, at a meeting with Doysah (Irish Prime Minister) Michel Martin, US President praises McGregor for his tattoo.

The fighter also attended President Trump’s inauguration in January.

In 2024, a woman accused McGregor of raping her at a Dublin hotel won a claim for damages in a civil case.

The jury found him beat her and ordered him to pay more than €248,000 (£206,000).

Earlier Monday, McGregor preached in the White House press briefing room with press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who confirmed the meeting is scheduled for later that day.

Ms. Levitt said she “can’t think of a better guest to be with us on St. Patrick’s Day.”

The fighter said he plans to “propose the problems facing the Irish people”.

He accused the Irish government of “abandoning” the voices of the Irish people when criticizing immigration policies.

“What happened in Ireland is a strange thing,” he said.

He added: “Our funds are being used overseas and it has nothing to do with the Irish people.”

McGregor previously spoke to Ireland’s policies on immigration and asylum seekers.

Dauisage (Prime Minister of Ireland) Micheál Martin criticized McGregor’s comments and posted on social media: “St Patrick’s Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship.

Martin added: “Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, do not reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, nor do they reflect the views of the Irish people.”

Tanest (Ireland Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris said the MMA fighter jets had visited Washington, D.C. with “personal capabilities” and he did not represent the country.

“He did not represent Ireland. He did not represent the Irish people. He did not have the task to do so,” Harris told reporters in New York.

He said the president had “full authority” to invite anyone he wanted to go to the White House.

“But it makes it very clear to me that Conor McGregor is not in the United States representing the United States of Ireland or the Irish people.”

Social Democracy and Labor Party (SDLP) parliamentarian Matthew O’Toole described McGregor’s White House appearance as “an insult to the Ireland” and “deeply frustrated.”

He told BBC News NI: “Trump and his administration have invited and obviously put in a huge effort to Ireland’s National Day invitation and amplified the McGregor of a shocking man, who, frankly, is beyond the pale range.”

McGregor also took a photo with Elon Musk of the Oval Office on Monday.

Mr. Musk is a close ally of the U.S. president and is working to reduce the size of the federal government.