Trump meets with Irish UFC fighter Conor McGregor on St. Patrick’s Day

by Brett Samuels - 03/17/25 1:15 PM ET

Evan Vucci, Associated Press
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt listens as UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks with reporters in the briefing room of the White House, March 17, 2025, in Washington.

President Trump met at the White House on Monday with controversial mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to mark St. Patrick’s Day.

McGregor met with other White House officials during his visit to the campus, and he spoke to reporters briefly in the briefing room.

“We couldn’t think of a better guest to have with us on St. Patrick’s Day,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said as she stood next to McGregor at the podium.

McGregor used the opportunity to bemoan that an influx of illegal immigration was “ravaging” Ireland.

“Rural towns where Irish have become minorities. Irish Americans need to hear this, we need U.S. leadership,” McGregor said.

Trump is a vocal fan of boxing and mixed martial arts and is a frequent guest at UFC events. McGregor is a longtime supporter of the president.

McGregor has been at the center of controversy. A jury in Dublin last year found him civilly liable for sexual assault during a December 2018 incident. McGregor is appealing the judgment.