Trump Offers Dana White White House Press Secretary Job, Says UFC Boss Should Take the Role

Trump Offers Dana White White House Press Secretary Job, Says UFC Boss Should Take the Role
US President Donald Trump has offered Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief Dana White the job of White House press secretary. The unusual announcement has attracted widespread attention across American politics and the sports world.
Trump made the offer in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, November 7. He praised White and described him as a fighter and warrior.
The president also suggested that several well-known UFC fighters could join White as assistants.
“Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!” Trump wrote.
The announcement comes at a difficult time for the Trump administration. Republicans suffered major losses in the recent midterm elections. Democrats are preparing to take control of both chambers of Congress.
Trump Makes Surprise Offer to UFC Chief
Trump publicly announced his offer while spending time at his golf club in Florida.
He described White as a strong personality who could bring a different approach to the White House press office.
The president also named six current or former UFC champions whom he wanted White to bring along as assistants.
The fighters included Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
Trump suggested that these fighters could help defend his administration against political opponents.
His comments quickly attracted attention because the press secretary plays an important role in communicating government decisions to the public.
The position also requires regular contact with journalists and the ability to answer difficult questions about presidential policies.
Dana White Responds to Trump’s Offer
White was in London attending a boxing event when reporters asked him about Trump’s announcement.
He said he planned to travel to Washington and meet the president at the White House on Monday.
However, White did not confirm that he had accepted the position.
When reporters asked how he would balance the possible White House job with his existing responsibilities, he appeared surprised.
“Yeah, I got a lot of jobs already,” White responded.
He also declined to discuss the details of his conversations with Trump.
Before the news conference, White shared Trump’s announcement on Instagram. He also posted an image showing himself standing behind the podium in the White House press briefing room.
The image carried the words “On to the next chapter.”
His post added to speculation about whether he was seriously considering the opportunity.
However, a later report by CNN, citing a source familiar with the matter, said White had declined the offer. Neither the public announcement nor the initial meeting plans amounted to a confirmed appointment.
Why Trump Wants Dana White
White has maintained a close relationship with Trump for many years.
He publicly supported Trump’s presidential campaigns and spoke at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
The two men have also appeared together at several UFC events.
Trump has frequently praised White for his leadership of the organisation and his ability to attract large audiences.
Their relationship became even more visible in June 2026 when the White House hosted a major UFC event on its South Lawn.
The event formed part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
White played a major role in organising the event, which brought together leading fighters and attracted considerable public attention.
His long-standing relationship with Trump may explain why the president considers him suitable for a senior communications position.
White House Press Secretary Role Faces Uncertainty
The press secretary position has remained vacant following several changes within Trump’s communications team.
Karoline Leavitt left the position in August 2026. She said she wanted to spend more time with her young family.
Trump later appointed conservative commentator Katie Zacharia to replace her.
However, Zacharia’s time in the position lasted only five days. She left after a difficult first briefing with reporters.
The short appointment created further uncertainty about the administration’s communications strategy.
Trump now faces pressure to find a reliable spokesperson who can defend his policies and explain his decisions.
The need for a strong communications team has become more important following the Republican Party’s poor performance in the midterm elections.
Trump’s Political Challenges Grow After Election Losses
The offer to White comes as Trump faces growing political challenges.
Democrats made significant gains in the November 2026 midterm elections. They are expected to take control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in January.
The change will give Democrats greater power to investigate the administration and challenge its policies.
Trump has also announced changes within his senior team.
He recently replaced longtime chief of staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller.
These developments suggest that the president is preparing for a difficult period in Washington.
A new press secretary could play an important role in shaping the administration’s public response.
What Happens Next?
White’s possible appointment remains uncertain, with reports indicating that he has declined the offer.
Trump has not publicly announced a confirmed replacement for the vacant press secretary position.
The planned Monday meeting also raised questions about whether the president would continue discussions with his longtime friend.
For now, White remains focused on his responsibilities in the combat sports industry.
The situation highlights Trump’s unconventional approach to political appointments and his continued relationship with prominent figures in sports and entertainment.
Whether White eventually joins the White House or remains in the UFC, the unusual offer has already generated major attention.
It also highlights the growing importance of public communication as Trump prepares for a challenging period in American politics.
Read more at: bbc.com
