President Donald Trump recently extended an unexpected offer to UFC CEO Dana White, proposing he become the next White House Press Secretary. The announcement, made by President Trump on Truth Social, initially prompted reports that White had declined the high-profile position. However, subsequent statements from White himself indicate a meeting is scheduled with President Trump, leaving the ultimate outcome of the offer uncertain.
"I'm flying to Washington, D.C. right now. Straight after this!" Dana White, UFC CEO
On Saturday, President Trump publicly announced his desire for White to assume the role of the administration's chief spokesperson. "I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States," President Trump wrote. The President's post went further, suggesting that White bring six prominent mixed martial arts figures—Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris—to serve as assistants. President Trump explicitly stated the rationale for this unconventional team, declaring, "We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left." He concluded his message with a direct appeal: "Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!" Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, publicly supported the idea, reposting President Trump's announcement with the endorsement, "Hell yeah! Do it, @DanaWhite!"
Initial reports, citing a source familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN, indicated that White had declined the President's invitation. This information suggested a swift end to one of the administration's more unusual proposed appointments. However, shortly after these reports surfaced, White publicly stated his intention to travel to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with President Trump. He confirmed this meeting is scheduled for Monday, indicating he would provide further details following their discussion. This development introduces a degree of ambiguity regarding White's final decision on the Press Secretary role.
Dana White has maintained a close political relationship with President Trump for years and has been one of his most recognizable supporters. White has appeared at the last three Republican National Conventions, playing a significant role in introducing President Trump to younger audiences. His extensive connections within the sports and entertainment industries reportedly helped the President reach influential online personalities and podcast audiences, particularly during the 2024 presidential election cycle. President Trump himself has acknowledged White's contributions in this area. "He introduced me to people I never heard of, young kids," President Trump remarked earlier this year. "I mean, I was being interviewed by 20-year-old kids. I’m saying, ‘Where the hell did you meet these people?’ They’re called influencers." The President also hosted a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary celebrations this summer, an effort seen as part of his strategy to maintain connections with younger male voters.
This proposed personnel change unfolds during a period of considerable flux and uncertainty within President Trump's administration, particularly following the Republican Party's performance in Tuesday's midterm elections. The elections saw Democrats make gains, contributing to their victories in both chambers of Congress, and leading to a renewed focus on administrative adjustments. Just last Friday, President Trump replaced Susie Wiles, his longtime White House chief of staff, with Stephen Miller, one of his closest and most prominent advisers, who is scheduled to assume the position on Monday. President Trump has also publicly indicated that further personnel changes are under consideration across the administration, though he has not specified which officials might be affected.
The President's interest in bringing White into such a visible position suggests a willingness to consider unconventional choices for key White House roles. The Press Secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for the President and the administration, a role traditionally held by individuals with extensive experience in political communication or journalism. White's background as a sports executive would represent a significant departure from typical appointments. The current conflicting reports—initial claims of a rejection followed by White's confirmation of an upcoming meeting—underscore the fluid nature of personnel decisions within the executive branch as President Trump navigates the post-election landscape. For now, the UFC executive's role in the administration, if any, remains an open question, and President Trump's search for new personnel continues.
