Trump Retracts Job Offer to UFC Chief Dana White, Calling Social Media Post a Joke

President Donald Trump clarified on Sunday that his social media announcement offering Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Chief Executive Dana White the position of White House press secretary was intended as a joke.

Speaking to reporters from an airport tarmac in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump put an end to more than 24 hours of widespread political speculation triggered by a post on his Truth Social platform:

"I will tell you, I was only kidding. But Dana loves the idea. And there's only one Dana. He's great. But, it was it was just a little fun."

Trump had initiated the rumor on Saturday when he announced he was "pleased to announce" that White had been offered the job, calling him "a violent Fighter and Warrior". In the post, Trump suggested White bring mixed martial arts fighters like Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, and Amanda Nunes along as assistants, writing:

"We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!"

Following Trump's post, White shared a screenshot to his Instagram Story and posted an image depicting himself at the White House briefing room lectern, captioned "On to the next chapter." At a news conference in London on Saturday, White confirmed he was flying to Washington to meet Trump on Monday, though he appeared dismissive of taking on political office, remarking, "I've got a lot of jobs already."

Addressing the scheduled Monday meeting, Trump confirmed the encounter was still taking place but insisted it was unrelated to the communications role:

"I think he's going to be in Washington. So he's going to come over and see me. I will tell you, I was only kidding. But Dana loves the idea. And there's only one Dana. He's great."

White and Trump share a business and political relationship spanning over 25 years, originating when Trump hosted early UFC tournaments at his Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during a period when state athletic commissions shunned the sport.

White actively campaigned for Trump during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections, speaking on his behalf at three consecutive Republican National Conventions and joining him on stage during his 2024 victory speech. In July, the administration hosted a live UFC cage match on the South Lawn of the White House as part of festivities surrounding the nation's 250th anniversary.

Beyond his role leading the UFC, White oversees PowerSlap and Zuffa Boxing, and serves as a board member for Meta.

The White House press secretary position has been vacant since October 16th, when Katie Zacharia departed after just five days in the role, making it the shortest tenure in U.S. history. Zacharia had stepped in following the resignation of Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August to focus on her family.

The press office uncertainty coincides with broader staff shifts inside the administration. On Friday, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced her departure, with Trump naming long-time advisor Stephen Miller as her successor.

With White formally out of consideration, the administration has yet to name a official spokesperson to fill the post.