Former UFC champion Conor McGregor I made a comment against illegal immigrants to Ireland prior to a visit with President Donald Trump at the White House on St. Patrick's Day.
The 36-year-old Mixed Martial Arts Fighter spoke to a reporter in the White House Briefing Room as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stood next to him.
“Illegal immigrant rackets are in ruins in the country.”
“What's happening in Ireland is a tragedy. Our government is a zero-action government with zero accountability,” McGregor said.
“Our money is spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people. The rackets of illegal immigrants are devastated within the country. Ireland is overrun in one dip and in a minority in one dip.”
He went on to say he wanted to inform 40 million Irish Americans about the existential threat of illegal immigration to their homeland.
McGregor suggests he may run for Ireland's president in 2025, but his position is primarily ritual.
His comments and visits were condemned by Irish political leaders, including Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin.
“St. Patrick's Day around the world is a day rooted in community, humanity, friendship and fellowship. Conor McGregor's statements are wrong and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick's Day or the views of the people of Ireland.” I wrote it Martin on social media.
“I'm here in New York City, where I've seen great things about Irish-Americans.ConnorMcGregor He doesn't speak for Ireland or its people, not for the United States, which represents Ireland.” I responded Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris.
Others criticized McGregor for his choice as he was accused of rape and lost a civil court case against his accuser. He was ordered to pay £200,000, which is worth about $260,000. He denied the allegations and said the interaction was agreed.
McGregor had previously encouraged Trump by saying that his favorite UFC fighter was Khabib Nurmagomedov, a Russian fighter who was one of McGregor's most intense competitors.
“We couldn't think of a better guest with us on St. Patrick's Day,” Leavitt said.
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