On March 17, 2025, the White House was the epicenter of significant events as President Donald Trump addressed concerns around his predecessor’s pardons, welcomed controversial MMA fighter Conor McGregor, and prepared for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
During the daily press briefing, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins confronted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about Trump’s claims posted on Truth Social, where he labeled Biden’s last-minute pardons as "void" and "vacant" due to their alleged approval without his knowledge.
Trump asserted, “The necessary Pardoning Documents were not explained to, or approved by, Biden. He knew nothing about them, and the people who did may have committed a crime,” raising questions about the legitimacy of Biden’s pardons for prominent figures including General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Collins questioned any evidence supporting Trump’s allegations, to which Leavitt retorted, "You're a reporter, you should find out.”
Leavitt emphasized during the heated exchange the need to investigate whether Biden was unaware of the pardons and whether any illegal activity had occurred within the administration. She noted, "I think it's a question... because certainly it would propose perhaps criminal or illegal behavior if staff members were signing the president’s autograph without his consent.”
Later on the same day, Trump received McGregor, who was accompanied by his family to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. McGregor lauded Trump’s work ethic as "inspiring," stating their meeting was amicable, and even praised Trump for complimenting his tattoos during a previous meeting with the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin.
Despite the cordial meeting at the White House, McGregor’s comments stirred controversy. He declared his intent to bring attention to immigration issues affecting Ireland, accusing the government of "abandoning" the voices of its people. “What is going on in Ireland is a travesty,” McGregor remarked, criticizing governmental spending priorities.
These remarks were met with backlash from Irish leadership. Taoiseach Martin responded critically, stating, "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." Simon Harris, the Tánaiste, echoed the sentiment, asserting, "He doesn’t speak for Ireland. He doesn’t speak for the people of Ireland. He has no mandate to do such.”
During the press briefing, Leavitt confirmed Trump’s upcoming call with Putin, scheduled for March 18, aimed at negotiating a 30-day ceasefire concerning the conflict in Ukraine. This development reflects the President’s efforts to assert U.S. leadership on the global stage even as domestic issues loom large.
The day's events underscored the intertwining of Trump's political narratives, ranging from allegations against Biden’s actions to the controversial presence of McGregor at the White House, with far-reaching effects echoing through both U.S. politics and international relations.
With discussions about pardons and immigration policies dominating headlines, and Trump’s continued engagement with high-profile figures like McGregor and foreign leaders like Putin, the White House remains abuzz with activity as it navigates complex political waters.
