President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he was "only kidding" when he suggested UFC CEO Dana White might be a candidate for White House press secretary. The remarks on Saturday had sparked speculation about a potential appointment and signaled a combative approach to dealing with Democrats.
Trump told reporters that White "loves the idea" of the role but emphasized that the prospect was not serious, calling it "just a little fun." He explained that he had posted photos of prominent UFC fighters as potential assistants to White as part of the joke, aiming to "defend us against the Lunatic Left."
White, who has led the Ultimate Fighting Championship for over two decades, is a close ally of Trump and has assisted in mobilizing support for his presidential campaign. He has also appeared at political events with Trump and helped host UFC fights at the White House this year.
Trump indicated that White was scheduled to visit him at the White House on Monday, but noted the meeting was planned for other reasons.