Conor McGregor Responds to Criticism: “Betrayed the People”

MMA star Conor McGregor defends his controversial White House remarks, asserting he represents the Irish people more than the government.

Conor McGregor’s White House Speech Sparks Controversy

The feud between MMA superstar Conor McGregor and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has escalated after McGregor’s recent speech at the White House. During the visit, McGregor met with U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. In his speech, McGregor claimed that Ireland is being destroyed by illegal immigration and indirectly suggested that he speaks for the Irish people more than the current government. His statements have since sparked backlash from political leaders in Ireland.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin Fires Back

Following McGregor’s remarks, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the MMA fighter’s statements. Martin emphasized that McGregor’s comments do not align with the values of Ireland or the significance of St. Patrick’s Day, which is rooted in community, humanity, and friendship.

“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.”
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD), March 17, 2025

https://twitter.com/MichealMartinTD/status/1901665582778343888

McGregor Responds: “I Represent the People More”

McGregor did not stay silent. In response to the Prime Minister’s comments, McGregor was approached by a reporter and asked about the backlash. The former UFC champion and current BKFC shareholder argued that he contributes more to Ireland’s economy than the government itself.

“I have over 200 employees. Nearly 300 employees in the country of Ireland. He employs no one. All metrics show that the current government has betrayed the people of Ireland.” — Conor McGregor

McGregor’s claims highlight his belief that his success as a businessman gives him the authority to speak on behalf of the Irish people, a stance that has divided public opinion.

McGregor’s Ongoing Controversies

McGregor has been at the center of numerous controversies in recent years, often making headlines for reasons unrelated to MMA.

In 2021, he suffered a brutal leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, which sidelined him from professional fighting.
In 2023, he made headlines for a series of racially insensitive remarks directed at his longtime rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
He was also accused of spitting on a fan outside a nightclub in Dublin.

Sexual Assault Conviction

Perhaps the most damaging controversy came in November 2024, when McGregor was found liable in a civil case for sexually assaulting a woman in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. He was ordered to pay €248,603.60 in damages. While McGregor has denied the allegations and vowed to appeal the ruling, the case has further damaged his reputation.

Does McGregor Really Represent the Irish People?

Conor McGregor insists that he represents the true interests of the Irish people, but his critics argue that his controversial past undermines his credibility.

Does his status as a business owner give him the right to claim he speaks for Ireland? Or is he simply using his platform to push a personal agenda? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!