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What Conor McGregor thinks of President Donald Trump

Originally posted on HITC | By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 7:31 AM ET

Looking back at March 2025, Conor McGregor’s unexpected visit to the White House with former U.S. President Donald Trump remains one of the most talked-about moments outside the Octagon.

The Irish MMA star’s comments from that day, including his praise for Trump’s work ethic, captured global attention and sparked debate.

The meeting took place on St. Patrick’s Day, when McGregor was invited to the White House as part of the celebrations. While he had previously been known for his fighting exploits, this visit put him squarely in a political and diplomatic spotlight.

McGregor used the opportunity to speak about issues he felt were important, including concerns about Ireland’s government and immigration policies, which drew strong reactions from leaders back home.

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Conor McGregor praised Donald Trump’s relentless drive

Amidst that context, McGregor’s remark about Trump’s work ethic stood out as a gesture of respect between two highly driven figures, even as the broader implications of the visit continued to make waves in the media and public discourse.

In a post highlighted by Margo Martin on X, McGregor said of Trump, “I’ll tell you what. Your work ethic is inspiring.”

The exchange came during an Oval Office moment that was widely shared across social media. McGregor, dressed in green to mark his Irish heritage, had earlier addressed press at the White House and later met Trump in the Oval Office.

The praise he offered reflected his personal admiration for high levels of drive and determination, qualities he has long championed in his own career.

Trump responded warmly to McGregor’s comment, highlighting a mutual recognition of each other’s success and resilience.

Fans reflect on Conor McGregor’s bold message

McGregor’s comments about Trump’s work ethic sparked a range of reactions. Some fans praised the acknowledgment of persistence and discipline, viewing the praise as coming from one competitor to another.

Others questioned the relevance of sports stars commenting on political figures, particularly in such a high-profile setting.

At the time, McGregor’s visit led to broader discussion about athletes in politics and public life. Critics noted that while McGregor’s words were about admiration rather than policy, the choice to publicly align with a political figure was bound to attract scrutiny.

Many commentators pointed out that the moment highlighted how celebrities and athletes can influence public conversation, intentionally or otherwise.

Today, McGregor’s message from March 2025 remains a notable part of his public persona outside the world of mixed martial arts.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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