The backlash against Conor McGregor's meeting with President Trump in the White House on St. Patrick's Day continues to grow, with various leaders and organizations condemning the Irish-born mixed martial artist for the sentiments he expressed.
Among the voices of disapproval is the Association of Catholic Priests (ACAP), which issued a statement on March 19, 2025, emphasizing that McGregor's speech during the visit "did not reflect what we value and hold dear." The statement called out his claims of representing the Irish people, stating, "As people who cherish both our Irishness and our Faith, we wish to assert unequivocally that Mr. Conor McGregor's speech in the Oval Office, where he claimed to be speaking on behalf of the Irish people, did not reflect what we value and hold dear. We believe that he confuses personal opinions with truth."
The criticism wasn’t limited to the ACAP. Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have also weighed in, with Harris stating that McGregor "doesn't speak for Ireland." A vehement response from Taoiseach Martin highlighted the patriotic spirit of St. Patrick's Day, declaring, "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." His comments pointedly rebuffed McGregor's assertions that the Irish government had abandoned its citizens.
McGregor's visit and his remarks, including strong criticisms of the Irish leadership, have ignited considerable controversy. He claimed, "I am here 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." He added that the Irish government was stuck in a state of "zero action with zero accountability," expressing that expenditure on overseas issues negatively impacts the Irish populace.
Amidst the fallout from his statements, McGregor declared himself an employer of nearly 300 people in Ireland, asserting that this gives him insight into the struggles and experiences of the Irish public. He retorted that critiques of his visit, including Martin's comments, were unjust and misrepresentative. "In ten years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the safest cities in Europe to one of the most dangerous, so shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman," McGregor responded.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre also chimed in, describing McGregor's meeting with President Trump as a "very sinister event." CEO Rachel Morrogh stated, "Yesterday's meeting was a very sinister event and it needs to be called out for what I believe it was, which on one hand was normalising sexual violence, and on the other hand an attempt to rebuild the very damaged reputation of Conor McGregor." This comment linked McGregor's previous legal troubles, including a €248,603 damages award in a civil lawsuit related to a rape accusation from Nikita Hand, which marked a pivotal moment in the scrutiny surrounding his character.
Morrogh's statements sharply criticized the implications of the meeting, suggesting that it trivialized sexual violence. She said, "He is sending a message that sexual violence is something he is trivialising and the road to redemption leads straight to the Oval Office." The meeting was viewed by many in Ireland as an affront to survivors of sexual violence and as an indication of President Trump’s propensity to support controversial figures, further polarizing public sentiment regarding both individuals.
Public reactions in Ireland have voiced strong disapproval against the backdrop of McGregor’s contentious remarks and history, fueling discussions about the values associated with St. Patrick's Day and Ireland as a whole. Many citizens have remarked on the inappropriate nature of McGregor's visit, aligning themselves with the sentiments expressed by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and ACAP, which called for greater accountability and a more profound respect for the legacy and values of St. Patrick's Day.
The backlash against McGregor, replete with public outcry and responses from various sectors within Ireland, hints at a broader conversation about representation and the enactment of values in national leadership. Critics argue that McGregor's approach fails to address the real issues faced by many Irish citizens, especially concerning government accountability.
As the discussions unfold in Ireland and abroad, the intersection of celebrity culture, politics, and social justice remains a potent topic. This incident not only shines a light on Conor McGregor's strained relationship with parts of Irish society but also concerns the ongoing struggle against the trivialization of serious social issues in the public sphere.
The outrage serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with public influence. Critically, it also highlights how deeply the Irish public feels about their identity and values, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating their heritage.
