Conor McGregor meets Trump at White House

The White House Conor McGregor in a green suit in the Oval Office with blonde-haired Donald Trump, who is wearing a navy suit.The White House
McGregor earlier described the US as Ireland's "big bro" while speaking to reporters in the West Wing

Controversial Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor has met US President Donald Trump in Washington DC.

Accompanied by his partner and four children, McGregor praised the president's work ethic as "inspiring" as he met him in the Oval Office on St Patrick's Day.

Trump hailed McGregor's own work rate, and described him as "fantastic".

Last week, during a meeting at the White House with Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin, the US president praised McGregor's tattoos.

In 2024, a woman who accused McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel won a claim against him for damages in a civil case.

A jury found that he had assaulted her and ordered him to pay more than €248,000 (£206,000).

He appeared at the White House press briefing room lectern on Monday with press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who confirmed the meeting was scheduled for later in the day.

Ms Leavitt said she "couldn't think of a better guest to have with us on St Patrick's Day".

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McGregor was also pictured alongside Elon Musk in the Oval Office.

Mr Musk is a close ally of the US president and is leading efforts to reduce the size of the federal government.

Earlier, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that the fighter said he planned to "raise the issues the people of Ireland face".

He accused the Irish government of "abandoning" the voices of the people of Ireland as he criticised immigration policies.

"What is going on in Ireland is a travesty," he said.

"Our money is being spent on overseas issues that is nothing to do with the Irish people," he added.

McGregor has previously spoken out against Ireland's policies on immigration and asylum seekers.

Reuters Conor Mc Gregor is standing in front of a US flag and a White House logo. He is wearing a three-piece, pinstripe suit and a dark green tie. His hair and beard are closely cropped and he is smiling. Beside him and gesturing towards him is Karoline Leavitt, she has blonde, shoulder length hair and is wearing a dark green dress.Reuters
Conor McGregor with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt

Posting on X about McGregor's White House visit the Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin said: "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."

The fighter also attended President Trump's inauguration in January.