• Conor McGregor met President Donald Trump at the White House on St. Patrick's Day.
• The UFC fighter criticized the Irish government for its handling of immigration issues.
• McGregor's remarks drew backlash from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and Irish officials.
• Trump praised McGregor, recognizing his contributions to sports and Irish heritage.

Irish UFC star Conor McGregor met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking St. Patrick's Day with a focus on serious issues facing Ireland. During a press briefing alongside Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, McGregor criticized the Irish government for a lack of action on immigration, referring to it as an "illegal immigration racket" that is undermining Irish communities. He expressed the need for American leadership in addressing this crisis, stating, "Rural towns where Irish have become minorities need support" The Hill.

McGregor's comments have sparked criticism from various groups, including the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, which issued a letter to the U.S. Embassy condemning the normalization of violence associated with McGregor's controversies. The charity highlighted how McGregor's presence at the White House could undermine efforts to combat sexual violence BBC. This comes in light of a civil judgment against him for sexual assault, which he is currently appealing.

Meanwhile, President Trump praised McGregor's achievements and his iconic tattoos, remarking, "I do happen to like your fighter; he's got the best tattoos I've ever seen" Newsweek. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin also responded, emphasizing that McGregor's remarks do not reflect the sentiments of the Irish people, calling them "wrong" BBC.