Conor McGregor Slams Trump's Tariff Plan as 'Economic Sabotage'

UFC Icon Turns on Trump Over Controversial Trade Policy

DUBLIN — UFC megastar Conor McGregor, once a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, has publicly condemned the former U.S. president's sweeping tariff policies, calling them an "abomination" that threatens global economic stability. The Irish fighter, known for his outspoken views, took to social media to lambast the new trade restrictions, marking a dramatic reversal from his previous admiration for Trump.

Trump’s Tariff Shockwave: A 20% Trade Levy on the EU

In a move that sent shockwaves through global markets, Trump unveiled a 20% tariff on European Union (EU) imports, including goods from Ireland. The United Kingdom was hit with a 10% tariff, while Switzerland faced an even steeper 31% duty. Trump's administration has framed these tariffs as a "liberation tax" aimed at addressing trade imbalances, but critics argue the measures will severely disrupt international commerce and escalate tensions among key U.S. allies.

McGregor, whose Irish heritage ties him directly to the economic consequences of these tariffs, did not hold back in his criticism. "This is an abomination," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "A slap in the face to Irish businesses and families who rely on fair trade with the U.S." His comments quickly gained traction, igniting debates over the true impact of Trump’s economic strategy.

Ireland Braces for Economic Fallout

The Republic of Ireland stands to suffer significant economic damage from these tariffs. According to the Irish government, up to 80,000 jobs are at risk in sectors that depend on U.S. trade, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe warned that the tariffs could shrink Ireland’s GDP by 2-4%, jeopardizing billions in revenue from U.S. multinational corporations that operate in the country.

To make matters worse, the tariffs have forced the Irish government to reconsider a €2.2 billion cost-of-living relief package initially designed to support households struggling with inflation. "This decision by the Trump administration undermines years of economic partnership between Ireland and the United States," Donohoe stated.

Trump’s announcement has drawn widespread condemnation beyond Ireland. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the 10% tariff on Australian goods "unjustified" and "not the action of a trusted friend." Meanwhile, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter stressed the importance of adhering to international trade laws, particularly as Switzerland faces the highest tariff rate imposed by Trump’s administration.

Economic analysts have also weighed in, warning that these tariffs could trigger a domino effect of retaliatory trade restrictions. The National Retail Federation in the U.S. has cautioned that American consumers will ultimately bear the brunt of these levies, with prices on essential goods likely to rise, fueling inflationary pressures.

In the U.S., Trump’s tariff policy is receiving pushback from unexpected quarters. Texas, a state crucial to Trump's political base, has raised concerns about the potential ramifications on its economy. While oil and gas exports were exempt from the new tariffs, Texas farmers fear their agricultural products could be caught in the crossfire of retaliatory EU measures. "This is going to hurt the very people who put Trump in office," said a Texas-based agribusiness leader.

McGregor’s criticism of Trump’s trade policies is not the first time he has waded into political discourse. The former UFC champion has recently been vocal on a range of Irish domestic issues, including what he describes as an "illegal immigration racket" harming the country’s economy. His latest remarks suggest he is positioning himself as a prominent voice in economic and political debates beyond the sports world.

What’s Next? Global Markets on High Alert

With the EU, UK, and Switzerland expected to announce countermeasures in the coming days, the global trade landscape remains volatile. Financial markets are closely monitoring the situation, with analysts predicting significant disruptions if a trade war escalates.

For McGregor, this latest stance cements his evolution from a sports icon to a politically engaged figure unafraid to challenge the policies of world leaders. His fiery condemnation of Trump’s tariff plan has already sparked widespread discussion, raising the stakes in an already fraught international economic environment.

With tensions escalating and economic repercussions looming, all eyes are now on how global leaders will respond to Trump’s latest move. Whether McGregor’s outcry signals broader dissent remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this is a trade battle with no easy winners.