Trump Calls Dana White Press Secretary Offer A Joke After UFC Boss Reinstates Post
The president clarified his social media announcement on Sunday, stating that the proposal to appoint the UFC owner and a team of fighters to his newsroom was not serious.
By Oliver Bennett ·
President Donald Trump declared on Sunday, Nov. 8, that his announcement offering Dana White the position of White House press secretary was a joke. The statement came one day after Trump posted the proposal on social media, which included a list of UFC fighters designated to serve as White’s assistants.
When asked directly if the offer was genuine, Trump responded, “I will tell you, I was only kidding.” He suggested the composition of the proposed staff, which featured athletes with what he described as “rough faces,” should have indicated the announcement was humorous. Trump added that some of the fighters came from “parts unknown.”
Despite labeling the move as a prank, Trump praised White as “a very capable guy” and claimed the UFC boss enjoyed the suggestion. Trump predicted that reporters would treat White with caution, noting, “You wouldn’t mess around with him so much.” He observed that several people reacted positively to the idea after he shared it.
The proposal followed a recent turnover in the White House newsroom. Katie Zacharia stepped down as press secretary weeks ago, replacing Karoline Leavitt who departed in August. On Oct. 23, Trump told reporters the administration was “in no rush” to select a new spokesperson.
White was scheduled to meet with Trump on Monday, Nov. 9, according to the president. Trump clarified that the visit was unrelated to the press secretary role, stating that White was already planning a trip to Washington and would stop by. White had previously told Sports Business Journal in November 2024 that he had “no personal political aspirations.”
In the original Saturday post, Trump urged White to accept the job. The named assistants included Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. White reposted the announcement on his Instagram Story, sharing a photo of himself at the podium with the caption, “On to the next chapter.”
The two men have a long history dating back to the early days of the UFC, when events were held at Trump’s Atlantic City property. White introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention and joined him on the White House South Lawn in June for UFC Freedom 250.
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