Trump Backtracks on Dana White Press Secretary Offer
President Trump stated his offer to UFC boss Dana White for White House Press Secretary was 'just a little fun'. White is still set to meet the President.
The Cliff News | 9 November 2026
US President Donald Trump has clarified that his recent offer to UFC President Dana White to serve as White House Press Secretary was made in jest. Trump told reporters on Sunday that while White "loves the idea," the invitation was intended "just a little fun."
The President had initially announced the purported offer on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, suggesting White would be "a Press Secretary like none other" and urging him to accept the role. Trump also proposed that White bring several mixed martial arts fighters to the White House as "assistants" to "defend us against the Lunatic Left."
Planned Meeting Amidst Clarification
The clarification comes after Dana White confirmed on Saturday that he was scheduled to meet with President Trump on Monday. However, White had previously declined to comment on whether he would accept the vacant position, stating he already had "a lot of jobs."
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump indicated that White's visit to Washington was for "other reasons," but acknowledged they would indeed meet. "I will tell you, I was only kidding. But Dana loves the idea. And there's only one Dana. He's great," the President remarked.
Background of the Offer
Trump's public announcement of the offer on Saturday followed a significant loss for the Republican Party in the midterm elections, where they reportedly lost their majority in both houses of Congress. The Press Secretary role has recently been held by Karoline Leavitt, noted as the youngest in US history during Trump's second term.
In his Truth Social post, Trump had stated he was "pleased to announce" the job offer to White. The proposition also included White bringing along several current and former mixed martial arts fighters as "assistants" to counter perceived threats from the "Lunatic Left."
Dana White's Involvement with Trump
Dana White, who leads UFC, PowerSlap, and Zuffa Boxing, and serves on the board of Meta, has a history of public support for President Trump. He appeared as a speaker at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and was on stage for Trump's victory speech following the 2024 presidential election. Earlier this summer, the UFC notably staged a cage match on the White House lawn.