Donald Trump stated Sunday that he was "only kidding" when he suggested UFC CEO Dana White could become his next White House press secretary. Trump had previously posted on Truth Social about offering the job to White, describing him as a "violent Fighter and Warrior" and suggesting he bring UFC champions as assistants to "defend us against the Lunatic Left."
White had acknowledged the offer, stating he would be flying to Washington D.C. to meet with Trump, fueling speculation about the role. However, Trump told reporters that the suggestion was "just a little fun" and that he had posted photographs of UFC fighters as potential assistants as part of the joke. He added that White would still visit him at the White House on Monday, but for other reasons.
The search for a White House press secretary has been ongoing following the departure of Karoline Leavitt. The position gained further attention after the brief, five-day tenure of Katie Zacharia, who was reportedly fired after a single press briefing.
White, who has led the UFC for over two decades, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and has helped mobilize support for his presidential campaign. He has also appeared at political events with Trump and hosted UFC fights on the White House lawn. White had played along with Trump's announcement on social media, posting an image of himself behind the White House briefing room podium with the caption "On to the next chapter."
Trump's communication director, Steven Cheung, had also expressed support for the idea, reposting Trump's announcement and urging White to accept the position. The reported interest in White came amidst a period of White House personnel changes, including the ousting of longtime chief of staff Susie Wiles.