Donald Trump Offers UFC Chief Dana White Press Secretary Role

On Saturday, former U.S. President Donald Trump extended an unusual job offer to Dana White, the President and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that White had been invited to serve as the White House press secretary.

Trump described White as a "violent Fighter and Warrior" and emphasized the need for strong voices to counter what he referred to as the "Lunatic Left." He urged White to accept the position, stating, "Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!"

Despite the public offer, reports emerged that White declined the role. CNN cited a source familiar with the situation, confirming White's decision not to accept the position. Earlier on the same day, White shared an Instagram story showing himself standing behind the White House press briefing lectern with the caption "On to the next chapter." It was unclear if this was a playful nod to the offer or a serious indication of interest.

It is worth noting that the formal title for the role Trump referenced is "White House press secretary," though Trump referred to it as "Press Secretary of the United States." This announcement follows other unconventional considerations from Trump regarding the role, including speculation about appointing rapper and Trump supporter Nicki Minaj.

Trump also mentioned extending the offer to White's assistants, highlighting that some of them hail from countries outside the United States. These assistants reportedly include current and former UFC mixed martial arts fighters from nations such as Brazil and Russia.

The offer comes amid recent turmoil in the White House communications team. In October, Katie Zacharia briefly served as the press secretary but stepped down after just five days on the job. Trump revealed that he had suggested Zacharia resign following her initial press briefing, where she took questions only from three conservative media outlets in a brief six-minute session. Trump commented on the situation, saying, "I just spoke to her about it. I said, 'Katie, is this for you?'"

This personnel shake-up coincides with other changes in the Trump administration. On Friday, Trump announced that Stephen Miller, his deputy chief of staff, would be promoted to chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. These adjustments come shortly after the midterm elections, in which Democrats gained majority control of both the House and Senate.

The connection between Trump and Dana White extends back several years. During Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, White praised him as a "fighter" and credited Trump for recognizing the UFC's potential when others did not. White has been a vocal supporter of Trump, and their friendship has been publicly visible on several occasions.

In June 2026, Trump celebrated his 80th birthday by hosting a UFC event on the White House's South Lawn, named UFC Freedom 250, further highlighting the close ties between the former president and the UFC leader.

Neither the White House nor the UFC has issued an official statement in response to the job offer or the subsequent reports about White's decision.

This episode illustrates the unusual and often unpredictable nature of political appointments and public announcements within the Trump circle, blending entertainment, sports, and politics in unexpected ways.