Trump Says Dana White Press Secretary Offer Was a Joke

President Donald Trump said Sunday he was joking when he offered UFC CEO Dana White the job of White House press secretary in a Saturday Truth Social post.

Trump told reporters in Florida he was "only kidding" about the offer and said his suggestion that White bring several UFC fighters to Washington as assistants was part of the joke. White, 57, was still expected to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday.

What Trump Wrote in His Truth Social Post

Trump announced Saturday that White had been offered the press secretary position, describing the UFC boss as a "violent Fighter and Warrior."

The president encouraged White to accept the job and said he wanted him to bring several fighters into the administration. The post came as Trump continued making changes to his White House staff following the midterm elections.

The Fighters Trump Wanted as White's Assistants

Trump named several current and former UFC fighters as potential assistants, including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.

He said the fighters would help the administration deal with its political opponents. Speaking to reporters Sunday, Trump said the references to UFC fighters should have made it clear that the offer was a joke.

Trump also praised White, calling him capable and saying he believed the UFC executive liked the idea of taking the position.

White's Answer: A Meme, a Joke and a Monday Meeting

Soon after Trump's announcement, White posted an AI-generated image of himself standing behind the White House press briefing-room podium. The Instagram story carried the caption, "On to the next chapter."

Speaking at a news conference following Zuffa Boxing 12 in London on Saturday, White confirmed he was traveling to Washington. He joked that he already had plenty of jobs and said he expected to have more to say after meeting with the president.

White has run the UFC since he and his business partners purchased the promotion in 2001. He also oversees Zuffa Boxing and Power Slap under TKO Group Holdings.

Trump said Sunday that White was coming to Washington for a previously arranged meeting involving other matters. He did not identify those matters or announce any new role for White.

The Job Itself Has Been a Revolving Door

The White House press secretary position has remained vacant since Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator who previously worked for Trump Media & Technology Group, left the role in October after five days.

Zacharia had replaced Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August. Trump has not announced another permanent replacement.

The president has also made changes elsewhere in his administration following Tuesday's midterm elections, which saw Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress.

On Friday, Trump named longtime aide Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles.

Trump's Long Relationship With the UFC Boss

Trump has been a longtime combat sports fan, and his relationship with White dates back more than two decades. The Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City hosted UFC events in 2001, helping the promotion at a time when it was struggling to find major venues.

White has publicly supported Trump's presidential campaigns and appeared at Republican political events. He also introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Trump has regularly attended UFC events, including during his time as president. In June, the promotion staged UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn.

The two men were expected to meet again Monday in Washington. Trump said the meeting was unrelated to the press secretary position, which remains unfilled.