In a passionate St. Patrick’s Day appearance at the White House, former MMA superstar Conor McGregor took a bold stand against the Irish government, accusing it of ignoring its people and mishandling critical issues like illegal immigration and fiscal responsibility. Calling on Irish Americans to hold their homeland accountable, McGregor warned that Ireland could lose its identity if its leaders don’t change course.
At a White House press conference, McGregor didn’t hold back: “I’m here to raise the issues that the people of Ireland face. It will be music to their ears. Never on the mainstage has the issue that the people of Ireland face been spoke. 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 goin’ on in Ireland.”
McGregor dubbed the Irish government as one of “zero action with zero accountability,” criticizing the expenditure of public funds on international matters irrelevant to Irish interests. He sounded the alarm on illegal immigration, which he said is “runnin’ ravage on the country.”
Highlighting the transformations in rural Ireland, he remarked, “There are rural towns where the Irish became a minority in one swoop. It is not bein’ addressed, and the 40 million Irish Americans need to hear this, ’cause if not, there’ll be no place to come home and visit. Ireland is at the cusp of losin’ its Irishness. And I’m here to raise the issue and highlight it.”
McGregor expressed admiration for President Trump, saying he came to America to learn from Trump’s “inspirin’” work ethic, which only emphasizes the lack of diligence from Irish leaders.
Having hinted at a potential run for Ireland’s presidency, McGregor has consistently voiced concerns about national security, advocating for stricter immigration measures and deportations.
His visit coincided with a meeting between President Trump and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who discussed global conflicts and peace processes, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Later, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed McGregor at the Pentagon to deliberate on illegal immigration challenges in both nations. McGregor denounced Ireland’s handling of this issue as “the biggest money racket in Irish history,” expressing fears that demographic changes might make Ireland unrecognizable to Irish Americans.
Hegseth highlighted the U.S.’s strides under Trump’s leadership in tackling illegal immigration, applauding recent deportations of gang members and the military’s enhanced role in securing the border. He criticized earlier policies that prioritized foreign borders over domestic security.
McGregor, a staunch supporter of Trump’s policies, lauded the administration’s actions, which he described as a welcome relief for many Americans. Their discussions also touched on military preparedness, with McGregor drawing parallels to combat training.
Before meeting Hegseth, McGregor visited the White House, attended a press conference, and had a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. As he departed the Pentagon, he left a stirring message for the troops: “This is a message to the great troops of the United States of America,” he declared. “I’m here with your Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. You’re in good hands. Men, women, keep fighting the good fight. Fight, fight, fight, as the big man says. Let’s go, troops of America. God bless.”
