Trump 'only kidding' over press role offer to Dana White

Updated / Monday, 9 Nov 2026 05:02

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US President Donald Trump has said he was "only kidding" when he suggested UFC CEO Dana White could become his next White House press secretary.

Mr Trump urged the UFC CEO in a social media post to consider taking the role, as well as naming several fighters from the mixed martial arts organisation who could serve as assistants.

The White House has been without a press secretary since 16 October when Katie Zacharia left the position after less than a week.

Mr Trump said Dana White, a prominent supporter, "loves the idea" of taking the job but insisted he had not been serious about the prospect, describing the suggestion as "just a little fun".

"I will tell you, I was only kidding", Mr Trump told reporters.

In Saturday's post, the US leader described Mr White as a "violent Fighter and Warrior" and implored him to accept his offer, writing, "Dana, please take the job!"

Mr Trump also named athletes Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, both from Russia's Dagestan region, as well as Americans Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier and "Kayla Harris", likely a reference to Kayla Harrison.

He also mentioned Amanda Nunes, a Brazilian native who became a US citizen last year.

The US president suggested the inclusion of the fighters "from parts unknown" should have made it clear that the post was a joke.

"Of course I was kidding, and you could see that because I put all of the great fighters as his assistants," Mr Trump said.

The pair will meet at the White House later today, with the US president saying that the meeting was planned for reasons other than the press secretary role.

Mr White, who has led the Ultimate Fighting Championship for more than two decades, has been a close Trump ally.

When Mr Trump won re-election in 2024, Dana White appeared alongside him for his victory speech and has appeared with him at several other political events since.

On Donald Trump's 80th birthday in June, the UFC held an event on the White House South Lawn.