Trump Jokes About Offering UFC CEO White House Press Secretary Role

President Donald Trump clarified on Sunday that his previous announcement about offering the White House press secretary role to UFC CEO Dana White was made in jest. He spoke to reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, stating that he wasn’t serious about the job offer he posted on Truth Social the previous Friday.

Trump mentioned, “You would have thought that people would have said, ‘He’s having a good time!'” He added, “I will tell you, I was only kidding, but Dana loves the idea!” The White House had no further comment on the situation, deferring to the president’s remarks.

White House Press Secretary Role

The press secretary position has been vacant for several weeks. This follows the brief tenure of Katie Zacharia, who served for five days last month. In his Truth Social post, Trump described White as “a violent Fighter and Warrior,” expressing enthusiasm for White potentially taking the role.

Trump also suggested that White bring notable mixed martial arts figures as assistants. These included Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes. The president humorously noted they would “defend us against the Lunatic Left.”

White’s Response and Visit

Shortly after the announcement, White stated at an event in London that he intended to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with Trump on Monday. He even shared an AI-generated image of himself at the White House press secretary podium on social media.

On Sunday evening, Trump reiterated, “I was kidding, of course.” However, he confirmed White still planned to visit him on Monday.

The Vacant Role

Karoline Leavitt initially filled the press secretary position during the first 584 days of Trump’s second term. She previously served as a spokesperson for his 2024 presidential campaign. After a maternity leave, she returned briefly before announcing her departure in the summer.

Katie Zacharia was then appointed and began on October 5. Her tenure concluded rapidly on October 9, leaving the position unfilled once again. With Trump’s recent comments classifying the offer to White as a joke, it remains uncertain who will be appointed to continue with regular briefings.