Conor McGregor visits WH, talks about Ireland’s ‘illegal immigration racket’
Conor McGregor is set to meet with President Donald Trump after a St. Patrick’s Day appearance at the White House. He praised Trump’s work ethic and criticized the Irish government’s handling of immigration issues, calling it a “travesty.”
The surge in asylum seekers in Ireland increased nearly 300% in 2024, compared to five years ago.
McGregor, who denied sexual assault allegations from 2018, is reportedly considering running for Ireland’s presidency in late 2025 on an anti-immigration platform.
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Irish mixed martial artist and former UFC champion Conor McGregor is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump Monday, March 17, following a St. Patrick’s Day appearance in the White House briefing room with press secretary Caroline Leavitt.
McGregor praised Trump while focusing on the issue of immigrants entering Ireland illegally.
McGregor is considered a controversial figure in Ireland.
In November 2024 he was found liable for a 2018 sexual assault and was ordered to pay around $260,000 in damages.
McGregor denied the allegations while setting his sights on running for Ireland’s presidency later in 2025 on an anti-immigration platform.
Is immigration a big issue in Ireland?
According to numbers from the European Union Agency for Asylum, asylum applications in Ireland increased by nearly 300% in 2024 compared to the same period five years ago.
A spike in arrivals from the U.K. has been driven mostly by the U.K.’s tougher immigration stance after Brexit. Drivers also include the fear of deportation to Rwanda and Ireland’s relatively healthy economy.
Most asylum seekers moving from the U.K. to Ireland enter the country from Northern Ireland, part of the U.K., where there is no passport control like there would be on airport or ferry routes.
McGregor added, while speaking at the White House, that he wants to learn from Trump, calling his work ethic “inspiring.”
During Trump’s campaign for president, the then-candidate promised mass deportations.
In the first 50 days of the second Trump administration, Immigration Customs and Enforcement said it has made nearly 33,000 arrests, with nearly half allegedly being convicted criminals.
In the entire Fiscal Year 2024, ICE made just above 33,000 arrests.
Irish passport applications surge as more Americans seek EU access
31,825 Americans applied for Irish citizenship in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. Many applicants cite political concerns, economic opportunities, and access to the European Union as key reasons for obtaining an Irish passport.
The surge peaked in November 2024, when 3,692 applications were filed, marking the highest monthly total in a decade, and coinciding with Donald Trump’s re-election.
Immigration lawyers report a spike in U.S. inquiries about relocating abroad, while celebrities and high-profile figures are also moving overseas.
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The number of Americans applying for Irish citizenship and passports has surged, with a record 31,825 applications in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. The spike follows Donald Trump’s re-election, with many citing political concerns, economic opportunities and ease of access to the European Union as key motivations.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs reported a 50% increase in foreign birth registrations from the U.S., rising from 7,726 in 2023 to 11,601 in 2024. Americans accounted for 27% of all foreign birth registrations, reinforcing a decade-long upward trend in applications.
When was the biggest surge in applications?
November 2024 saw an unprecedented spike in Irish passport applications from the U.S., with 3,692 submissions, the highest single-month total in a decade. This coincided with Trump’s election victory.
Many applicants say they are seeking an exit strategy due to concerns about Trump’s policies.
Do Americans make up a large portion of Irish passport applicants?
Although Americans make up only 3.2% of total Irish passport applications, their numbers have risen steadily in recent years. Experts believe this trend will continue to grow, fueled by a mix of political, economic and personal reasons.
What benefits do Americans get from Irish citizenship?
Martina Curtin, president of the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston, highlighted multiple reasons why Americans are choosing to apply:
“Some of it is just their deep affinity to Ireland. You cannot underestimate that,” Curtin said. “Other people, it’s just for practical reasons. They see the value of having that Irish passport—it’s a gateway to the EU.”
Holding an Irish passport grants the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union. It also opens doors to affordable higher education, a major factor for some applicants.
“Third-level education is much less expensive in Ireland compared to the United States,” Curtin said.
Are more Americans looking to leave the U.S.?
Following Trump’s 2024 election victory, online searches for emigration options skyrocketed. According to the Irish Star, Google Trends recorded a 68% spike in searches for “move to Canada” in the weeks surrounding the election.
Immigration lawyers in the U.S. and Canada are reporting a dramatic increase in inquiries. Some law firms are seeing a tripling of calls from Americans looking to relocate.
“What we’re in right now is a period of heightened uncertainty,” said Evan Green, managing partner at Green and Spiegel Law in Toronto. “People know what’s coming, and because of that, they’re far more motivated to move.”
“During the Biden administration, we probably got maybe one or two calls a month. Since the new administration has come into office, we’ve probably had maybe one to two a week,” said Zach Ahlstrom, a senior attorney at Berardi Immigration Law in Buffalo, NY.
How can Americans qualify for Irish citizenship?
Irish law allows U.S. citizens to apply for citizenship through descent, provided they can prove that a parent or grandparent was born in Ireland.
The process has become easier due to the ability to apply online and access digital records. This has led to a steady increase in foreign birth registrations over the past decade.
With an increasing number of Americans seeking alternatives abroad, Ireland remains an attractive option for those with Irish ancestry.
As the U.S. political landscape continues to shift, so does the demand for dual citizenship.
Ryanair proposes 2-drink limit at airports to tackle unruly passengers
Ryanair wants to limit passengers’ alcohol consumption. The airline is proposing a two-drink cap at airport bars, echoing CEO Michael O’Leary’s comments.
“We don’t want to begrudge people having a drink, but we don’t allow people to drink-drive –– yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000 feet,” O’Leary told The Telegraph. He believes stricter alcohol limits at airports could help prevent mid-air incidents.
Not everyone agrees with Ryanair’s stance, including a former Ryanair pilot. Still, the airline wants to take a hardline approach.
The cost of unruly passengers
Last week, Ryanair filed a legal claim against a passenger whose disruptive behavior delayed a flight overnight. The incident cost the airline more than $15,000 in accommodation expenses.
According to FAA data, there were nearly 6,000 unruly passenger reports in 2021. While that number dropped to 2,100 in 2024, O’Leary insists alcohol restrictions could reduce it further.
Legal consequences for passengers
Ireland-based Ryanair already limits alcoholic drinks on its flights. Under Irish law, passengers who “breach the peace” can face fines or even imprisonment.
The debate over airport alcohol limits continues, but Ryanair remains steadfast. For the airline, smoother skies may depend on keeping pre-flight drinks to a minimum.
Israel says Ireland ‘crossed every red line,’ closes embassy in Dublin
Israel is closing its embassy in Ireland, accusing the Irish government of pursuing “extreme anti-Israel policies.” The decision follows Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state, and its intervention last week in an international court case against Israel, brought by South Africa. Ireland criticized how the court defines “genocide,” arguing that the protection of civilians is being minimized.
In the 14 months since Hamas attacked Israel, 45,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, although the figure does not differentiate between Hamas militants and civilians. Israeli officials say Ireland has “crossed every red line.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made the announcement, condemning Ireland for what he called “anti-Semitic rhetoric” and “double standards” in its treatment of Israel. He added that Israel will focus on strengthening relations with countries that share a supportive view towards the Jewish state.
In response to Israel’s embassy closure, Ireland called the decision “deeply regrettable,” stressing that its policies are in line with international law and disputing Israel’s claims of being “anti-Israel.”
This diplomatic fallout comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Israel is reportedly considering further military strikes against Iran’s nuclear program, which it sees as a growing threat.
The U.S. and international bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency have previously urged Israel to avoid such actions. However, the incoming Trump administration is reportedly exploring strategies to counter Iran’s nuclear program, including possible military support for Israel in a potential strike.
The world remains divided over Israel’s policies and the ongoing conflict. While some nations back Israel’s right to defend itself, others criticize its retaliatory actions as “excessive.” As global calls for peace in the Middle East grow, the path to a ceasefire remains a source of tension.
Trump to travel to Paris for reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
President-elect Donald Trump announces plans to travel to Paris, his first trip overseas since winning the election. And a judge rejects Elon Musk’s bid to restore his $56 billion pay package. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.
Trump to travel to Paris for reopening of Notre Dame cathedral
Trump posted his travel plans to his Truth Social platform Monday night, Dec. 2, saying in part, “President Emmanuel Macron has done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so. It will be a very special day for all!”
A massive fire broke out at the cathedral in April 2019 and although it is not yet fully restored, visitors will be allowed back beginning Dec. 7. According to Paris police, Saturday’s reopening is expected to draw some 50 heads of state. Sources told CNN Trump was invited to the event by the French government.
https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yoJMyjEyQXJQ
Macron is slated to deliver remarks at the ceremony. The French president was the first foreign leader to congratulate Trump on his victory last month, posting on X that he was ready to work with Trump again for peace and prosperity.
The news of Trump’s trip to Paris comes just days after the president-elect selected real estate mogul Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father, to serve as the ambassador of France during his second administration.
In 2020, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, who had pleaded guilty in 2005 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign donations. He served 14 months in prison.
Trump’s visit to Paris would be his first known trip outside of the U.S. since he visited his golf courses in Ireland and Scotland in May 2023.
Biden makes history as first US president to visit Angola
Biden’s visit is centered on the U.S.-backed Lobito corridor railway redevelopment project in Angola, Zambia and Congo. It’s meant to counter China’s influence on the continent.
This morning, I met with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of the Republic of Cabo Verde to discuss our growing relationship, the vibrant Cabo Verdean diaspora in the U.S., and ways we can work together to support democratic freedoms and climate resilience. pic.twitter.com/gMQQDKphsD
The goal is to increase the U.S.’ presence in the region which is rich in the critical minerals used to make things like electric vehicle batteries and other electronic devices, as well as clean energy technologies.
On his way to Angola, Biden stopped in the island nation of Cape Verde for a short, closed-door meeting with that country’s prime minister.
Raskin challenges Nadler for top Democratic House Judiciary Committee spot
Raskin is a former constitutional law professor who served as the Democrats’ lead prosecutor in the Trump impeachment trial after the Jan. 6 attack. Nadler has held the top job on the committee since 2019 and is currently serving in his 17th term in Congress.
Raskin, who is the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement Monday that come next year, the Judiciary under his leadership would become “the headquarters of congressional opposition to authoritarianism.”
Judge rules Elon Musk’s $56B Tesla pay package can’t be reinstated
On Monday, a Delaware judge ruled Tesla failed to prove its fiscal plan for the CEO was fair, saying the board was under too much influence from Musk when it approved the massive payout in the form of stock options. The package was the largest compensation plan in U.S. history for a public company executive.
In a post on X, which Musk also owns, Tesla said it plans to appeal the decision.
A Delaware judge just overruled a supermajority of shareholders who own Tesla and who voted twice to pay @elonmusk what he’s worth.
The court’s decision is wrong, and we’re going to appeal.
This ruling, if not overturned, means that judges and plaintiffs’ lawyers run Delaware…
2,500 giant panda sculptures on display in Hong Kong
It was “panda-monium” at the Hong Kong International Airport on Monday as 2,500 giant panda sculptures were on display. It was all part of a launch ceremony for the panda-themed exhibition called “PANDA GO! FEST HK.”
Starting Saturday, the sculptures will be on the move throughout Hong Kong visiting various landmarks. The designs of six special editions were inspired by the half-dozen giant pandas currently living in Hong Kong.
What is “brain rot?” According to Oxford, the definition is the “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as a result of overconsumption of material — particularly online content — considered to be trivial or unchallenging.”
Oxford says it selected “brain rot” after a vote of 37,000 people, public discussion, and analysis. The publisher said “brain rot” has gained new prominence this year as a term used to reference the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content.
Conor McGregor ordered to pay $257K over sexual assault case
Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor must pay 250,000 euros (about $257,000 USD) following a civil court jury’s verdict in Dublin, Ireland. The jury found McGregor liable Friday, Nov. 22, for assaulting a woman in a hotel room in December 2018.
The woman, who has remained anonymous, claimed McGregor raped and battered her after a night of partying. She said the attack left her with severe bruising and post-traumatic stress disorder.
BBC News reports a paramedic who examined the woman the next day testified that her injuries were some of the worst bruising she had ever seen.
Jury deliberation and McGregor’s response
According to The Associated Press, the jury deliberated for six hours and McGregor shook his head in court as they read their verdict. The fighter denied all allegations, insisting their encounter was consensual. He argued the woman fabricated her claims.
In a statement outside the courthouse, the woman thanked her loved ones for their support. She emphasized the importance of standing up for oneself, saying she wanted to set an example for her daughter.
McGregor to appeal
Shortly after the verdict, McGregor said in a social media post on X he intends to appeal.
I will be appealing today's decision. The judge's instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages. I am disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence that the DPP reviewed. I am with my family now, focused on my future.…
National Geographic releases Best of the World 2025 list
National Geographic released its highly anticipated Best of the World 2025 list. It highlights some of the most exciting, meaningful and unique travel experiences for the upcoming year.
The list features something for every type of traveler, from families to foodies, animal lovers to adventurers.
The 2025 destinations include a new rock-climbing paradise in India and an island-hopping trail in Stockholm, each chosen to inspire and captivate visitors.
Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief at National Geographic, described the Best of the World list as an annual invitation to explore the diverse beauty of the world.
“In a time of uncertainty, we wanted to lean into travel that brings joy and taps into the excitement of discovery,” Lump said in an interview with CNN.
This year, joy became a key theme in travel trends.
One destination making waves is Guadalajara, Mexico, which earned its spot on the list thanks to its lively Mariachi Festival. The event transforms the city’s streets into a vibrant musical celebration.
Another notable pick is Boise, Idaho, where the Basque community’s Jaialdi Festival returns after a decade-long hiatus, featuring street parties and traditional sports, including wood-chopping competitions.
For travelers seeking a slower, more reflective experience, Italy’s centuries-old cenobitic monasteries offer a tranquil setting perfect for meditation and connection.
Cork, Ireland, also made the list. The city is known for its vibrant culture and warm locals, and it is undergoing a massive urban transformation that is expected to attract even more visitors in the coming years.
Los Angeles secured its place on the list for its rapidly growing art scene. Additionally, Bangkok was recognized for its quieter, lesser-known spiritual sites, like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which offer a serene escape from the more crowded tourist destinations.
For those interested in remote cultural immersion, Haida Gwaii, located off the coast of British Columbia, offers a rare opportunity to connect with indigenous traditions and local wildlife.
Whether travelers want to hike active volcanoes in Guatemala, rock-climb in India’s Ladakh region or take a wildlife photography class aboard Malaysia’s luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, the Best of the World 2025 list provides a variety of incredible experiences.
How international authorities took out the popular cybercrime platform ‘Ghost’
An international law enforcement operation took down an encrypted cybercrime communication platform known as “Ghost,” and led to dozens of arrests around the world. Australian federal authorities announced Wednesday, Sept. 18, it made 38 arrests in raids across the country while authorities in Canada, Sweden, Ireland and Italy conducted similar raids.
“We allege hundreds of criminals including Italian organized crime, motorcycle gang members, Middle Eastern organized crime and Korean organized crime have used Ghost in Australia and overseas to import illicit drugs and order killings,” Ian McCartney, deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said.
“Importantly, the AFP has prevented the death and serious injury of 50 individuals in Australia, because we’ve been able to decrypt these messages,” McCartney said.
Europol, the global task force helping in the effort, said the coalition dismantled a drug lab in Australia and seized drugs, weapons and more than $1 million globally.
“Today we have made it clear that no matter how hidden criminal networks think they are, they can’t evade our collective effort,” Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle said.
“This was truly a global game of cat and mouse, and today, the game is up,” Europol’s Deputy Executive Director Jean-Phillipe Lecouffe told reporters.
The AFP said the French assisted in decrypting Ghost communications.
“This time, the AFP engineered a new technological solution as the administrator regularly pushed out software updates, the AFT was able to modify those updates,” McCartney said. “In effect, we infected the devices, enabling us to access the content on Australian devices.”
The alleged ringleader of Ghost, Yoon Jung, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Authorities accused him of using a network of resellers to offer specialized iPhones to criminals worldwide. The cellphones reportedly sold for nearly $1,600 a piece and included a six-month subscription to the Ghost app as well as technical support.
The app reportedly gained popularity among criminals for its “advanced security features” and its disruption is a major blow to organized cybercrimes globally.
As the investigation continues, more disruption to illegal activities and arrests are reportedly expected in connection with the cybercrime network.
The Europol-led crackdown includes help from the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Sweden, France, Iceland and the Netherlands.
Apple and Google lose billions in back taxes, EU fines across the pond
The European Commission scored two big wins against major U.S. tech companies on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Both Apple and Google will have to pay billions of euros after nearly a decade of fighting in EU courts.
Apple lost its final appeal to avoid paying $14.34 billion in back taxes to Ireland. The European Court of Justice ruled the iPhone-maker received too sweet of a deal to make Ireland its European headquarters.
The ruling stems from a practice known as a “Double Irish” scheme.
For U.S. companies that operate in multiple countries, it was a way for them to shield non-U.S. profits from U.S. corporate tax. But they didn’t pay much in Ireland either; the money would get funneled from Ireland to a tax haven.
The tax loophole was used by Ireland to attract major tech companies to its shores for European headquarters. After pressure from the EU and U.S., Ireland was forced to close the loophole in 2014. However, existing companies like Apple were grandfathered in and could take advantage of the law until 2020.
In 2016, the European Commission ruled Ireland provided illegal state aid to Apple by not collecting 13 billion euros in taxes from 2004 to 2014.
“No one did anything wrong here and we need to stand together,” Apple CEO Tim Cook told the Irish Independent back in 2016. “Ireland is being picked on and this is unacceptable.”
Cook also called claims made by European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager that the company only paid 0.005% in taxes “total political crap.” He said the company paid $400 million in taxes in 2014, making Apple the highest taxpayer in Ireland that year.
Eight years later, Vestager said winning the final appeal against Apple made her cry.
“Today marks a step forward and it’s encouraging,” Vestager said Tuesday. “It’s encouraging for us to do more. The commission will continue its work on harmful tax competition and aggressive tax planning, both in terms of legislative proposals but also enforcement.”
Other major multinational companies, like Amazon and Starbucks, have avoided paying back taxes, unlike Apple. But the commission’s case against Ireland and Apple proved stronger after getting documents where Irish officials were upfront about just how good of a deal they gave Apple.
The Luxembourg-based court also upheld a $2.7 billion antitrust fine against Google on the same day, giving the commission its second victory in 24 hours.
The Google fine has been in limbo since it was levied back in 2017. At the time, the commission accused Google of giving prominent placement to its own comparison shopping service and burying its rivals in the same results. Google had a 90% market share for search in the EU when the case first started.
“The Google shopping case is a landmark in the history of regulatory actions against Big Tech companies,” Vestager said. “It was one of the first significant antitrust cases brought by a competition agency against a major digital company. And I think this case marked a pivotal shift in how digital companies were regulated and also perceived.”
“In essence, the Google shopping case was a catalyst for change, inspiring a more vigilant and proactive approach to regulating Big Tech and of course, ensuring also a fairer digital marketplace,” she added.
Google is a frequent target of the competition committee and has been fined more than 8 billion euros in the last 10 years. Google is still waiting for final rulings on challenges to cases involving the Android operating system for mobile phones and its advertising platform.
Google also has antitrust concerns to deal with in the U.S. In a trial that started Monday, Sept. 9, over its advertising practices, the Department of Justice argued, “Google has used anticompetitive, exclusionary, and unlawful means to eliminate or severely diminish any threat to its dominance over digital advertising technologies.”
UFC star Conor McGregor announces intention to run for Ireland’s presidency
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced his intention to enter the political arena, revealing plans to run for the presidency of Ireland in 2025. The mixed martial artist made the announcement on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, where he has been critical of the nation’s current leadership.
McGregor’s initial hint at a presidential bid came on Wednesday, Sept. 4, when he responded to a video circulating online showing a recently installed bike rack outside the Irish Parliament building which reportedly cost over $370,000. That price tag has sparked criticism over government spending, with McGregor accusing members of Parliament of being “greedy and corrupt,” adding that such expenditures would not occur under his presidency.
“I’ve seen nicer bus stops! Who charged this extortionate price?” McGregor wrote on X about the bike rack. “With me as president this type of carry on that we’ve seen countless times, some more serious than others, would be tore apart on the spot!”
Thursday, Sept. 5, McGregor made a more formal declaration, stating that the people of Ireland deserve a leader who is accountable to them and asserting that he is the “only logical choice” for the role.
The Dublin native also warned that if the government continued to act as “thieves of the working man,” he would consider dissolving the nation’s Parliament if elected as president.
“These charlatans in their positions of power would be summoned to answer to the people of Ireland and I would have it done by day end. Or I would be left with no choice but to dissolve the Dáil entirely,” McGregor wrote. “Ireland needs an active President employed wholly by the people of Ireland. It is me.”
McGregor’s announcement has already garnered support from high-profile figures, including Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk, as well as controversial media personality and former professional kickboxer Andrew Tate. Meanwhile, these political ambitions from McGregor have raised questions about his future in the UFC, where he was expected to make a return to the octagon this year.