President Trump on Sunday walked back his offer to UFC CEO Dana White to serve as White House press secretary, saying he was "only kidding" about the proposal that had sparked speculation and mockery.
Speaking to reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said, "I will tell you, I was only kidding. But Dana loves the idea, and there's only one Dana, and he's great."
The president's remarks came after he posted a cartoon video on Truth Social earlier Sunday depicting White and several UFC fighters in the White House briefing room, with the fighters shown attacking reporters. Trump referenced that video, saying, "Of course, I was kidding. And you can see that, because they put all of the great fighters as his assistants, that they're all gonna come with them. But it was, it was just a little fun."
Despite the playful tone, Trump noted that White is scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C., on Monday and plans to discuss the role with the president. This follows White's confirmation of the Monday meeting.
On Saturday, Trump had announced the offer in a Truth Social post, writing, "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." He added that he had requested White bring assistants, including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris, saying, "We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left."
The White House has yet to name a permanent replacement for Karoline Leavitt, who left the position earlier this year. Katie Zacharia, a political commentator, briefly held the role for five days, but her tenure ended amid accusations that she misrepresented her legal credentials.
The announcement and subsequent reversal have drawn attention as the administration continues to fill key communications roles. The press secretary position remains vacant, and the search for a permanent occupant continues.
