Donald Trump welcomed Conor McGregor to the White House for a meeting on St Patrick’s Day. This visit follows Trump’s previous statement calling the mixed martial artist his “favorite Irishman.”
Video footage from inside the Oval Office captured the interaction between Trump and McGregor, where the fighter appeared impressed by the former president.
McGregor complimented Trump, suggesting he could get a similar suit and lauded his inspiring work ethic as they stood near a map of the Gulf of America.
He posed for photographs with Trump, including one with his arm around the president’s shoulder, and another with Elon Musk, the tech entrepreneur and Trump advisor.
Both Trump and McGregor have publicly expressed positive opinions of each other in the past. McGregor, aged 36, was previously seen at Trump’s inauguration in Washington in January.
Musk has also supported McGregor, particularly regarding McGregor’s past hints at a potential presidential run in Ireland. Recently, Musk has voiced support for anti-immigration political parties in Europe.
McGregor announced the White House meeting earlier on social media, stating his arrival in Washington for a meeting about his country’s future, expressing his readiness and invoking “Ireland’s call.”
During the visit, McGregor addressed reporters in the White House Press room. He criticized the Irish government, describing the political situation as a “travesty” and accusing the government of “zero action with zero accountability.”
He also claimed that Ireland is at risk of losing its “Irishness” due to what he termed the “illegal immigration racket.”
McGregor, who has expressed interest in running for Irish president, reiterated his desire to “save” Ireland. He has been openly critical of Ireland’s immigration policies.
In his White House remarks, McGregor praised Trump’s work ethic as “inspiring” and referred to the U.S. as Ireland’s “big sibling,” hoping for continued close relations and support.
He was seen signing a cap with the slogan “Make Ireland Great Again.”
Trump, a known supporter of UFC, has frequently attended events with UFC boss Dana White.
McGregor’s White House visit occurs after a civil jury ruling five months prior found him liable for assault in a 2018 Dublin hotel incident. Nikita Hand accused McGregor of assault, allegations he denies, maintaining the encounter was consensual. McGregor is appealing the civil court verdict. He has been absent from UFC since a leg injury in July 2021, and his fighting future remains uncertain.
