Sunday evening, President Donald Trump informed reporters that his offer of the White House press secretary role to UFC boss Dana White was merely a joke. The president made the admission as he prepared to leave his Florida resort after a weekend of events. Trump stated clearly that the offer was never real.
The confusion started Saturday when Trump posted on Truth Social that he had offered the role to the UFC honcho. He suggested White bring six famous fighters to serve as his assistants. This lineup included Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Justin Gaethje. Trump wrote that these people were needed to defend against the Lunatic Left.
When asked about the offer, Trump explained that the list of fighters should have given the joke away. He pointed to the men he named as potential assistants. “And you see a lot of rough faces there,” he said, according to Fox News. He further quipped that certain fighters originated from parts unknown.
The president noted that he thought White liked the idea initially. Trump called White a very capable guy. He said, “You wouldn’t mess around with him so much.” But he confirmed the offer was just for fun. “I will tell you, I was only kidding,” Trump said, according to the New York Post. He added that Dana loves the idea but there is only one Dana.
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Dana White is set to have a private meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday. The UFC boss will attend for reasons other than the job offer. Trump stated his belief that White had already intended to be in Washington. The two men have known each other for decades. They share a close relationship from Trump’s time hosting fights in Atlantic City.
The post caused an uproar because there is another Dana White who served as a top Pentagon spokeswoman. She wrote on LinkedIn to clarify the mix-up. “To everyone texting me congratulations: thank you, but you have the wrong Dana White,” the other White wrote. She noted she has stood at a podium but never in an octagon. She said it is nice that the famous Dana is being confused with her.
Currently, no proof exists indicating Trump has selected his preferred chief spokesperson. The president seeks a third press secretary within this year. Karoline Leavitt left the job in August. Katie Zacharia lasted only five days in the role last month. Trump told reporters earlier that he is in no rush to fill the spot.
On his Instagram Story, Dana White posted the president’s update alongside a picture of himself standing behind the White House podium. He captioned the image, “On to the next chapter.” White declined to comment on the supposed offer while attending a boxing event in London. He previously told Sports Business Journal that he had no personal political aspirations.
At the 2024 Republican National Convention, White served as the introducer for Trump. He also joined the president on the South Lawn in June for a special UFC event. The Declaration of Independence 250th anniversary festivities included this gathering. Trump has attended several major UFC events during his presidency. The two men continue to enjoy a strong friendship.
