Trump claims Dana White press secretary post was a joke
The president said he was kidding when he named UFC fighters as assistants, though White shared the announcement with a photo from the podium.
By Noor Graham ·
Donald Trump stated on Sunday that his offer of the White House press secretary job to UFC chief executive Dana White was merely a joke. He made the clarification in response to questions about his recent social media post announcing the appointment and the roster of mixed martial artists designated to serve as White's deputies.
“I will tell you, I was only kidding,” Trump said when asked if he intended to make the hire permanent. He pointed to the list of fighters he named as evidence of the humor, noting the presence of several “rough faces.” He added that some of the athletes came from “parts unknown,” suggesting the lineup should have signaled the nature of the announcement.
The president expressed confidence in White's abilities, calling him “a very capable guy.” Trump suggested that the UFC boss would not tolerate excessive questioning, stating, “You wouldn’t mess around with him so much.” He confirmed that White is scheduled to visit the White House the following day, though he said the trip was planned for other reasons and that White would stop by to see him.
Trump said the reaction to his post was mixed, noting that some observers called the idea “actually a pretty good idea.” His social media post on Truth Social explicitly invited White to accept the role, listing Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes among the prospective assistants. White engaged with the post by sharing it on his Instagram Story, accompanying a photo of himself behind the White House podium with the caption, “On to the next chapter.”
The announcement occurred weeks after Katie Zacharia departed her position as press secretary. Zacharia had been selected to replace Karoline Leavitt, who left the role in August. On October 23, Trump told reporters that the administration was in no rush to find a permanent replacement for the post.
Trump and White have maintained a long-standing relationship since the early years of the UFC, when Trump hosted events at his Atlantic City property. White introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention and attended the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn in June. In November 2024, White told Sports Business Journal that he had “no personal political aspirations” regarding a potential role in the incoming administration.
