President Trump revealed on Saturday that he has extended an offer to Dana White, the president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), to serve as the next White House press secretary. The announcement came via a post on Trump's Truth Social platform, where he framed the pick as a bold move against political opponents.
In his post, Trump wrote, “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 went on to request that White bring along “assistants,” naming several prominent UFC fighters, including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris. Trump added, “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!”
White, a longtime Trump ally who spoke at the Republican National Convention, has no prior experience in political communications or government. The offer, if accepted, would mark an unconventional choice for a role traditionally filled by seasoned press aides. Trump's post did not indicate whether White has responded, and the White House has not confirmed the offer to news outlets.
The announcement quickly drew reactions across political circles. Supporters touted White's media savvy and ability to command attention, while critics questioned the appropriateness of naming a sports executive with no policy background to a key White House position. The mention of fighters, some of whom are not U.S. citizens, also raised eyebrows, though Trump did not specify their exact roles.
This is not the first time Trump has floated unconventional appointments. His administration has previously seen high-profile figures from business and entertainment take on advisory roles. However, the press secretary position is critical for daily communications, requiring deep knowledge of the administration's agenda and the ability to field tough questions from the press corps.
The offer comes amid a turbulent period for the White House communications team, which has faced scrutiny over messaging and media relations. If White accepts, he would step into a role that has been a focal point of political battles, especially as the administration navigates ongoing policy debates and potential legal challenges.
Political analysts note that White's appointment could signal a shift toward a more combative style of press engagement, aligning with Trump's preference for aggressive rhetoric. The UFC CEO has been vocal in his support for Trump, including during the president's legal troubles, and has praised his leadership in private and public forums.
As of now, neither White nor the UFC has issued a public statement. The president's post, however, has been amplified by his rapid response team on social media, suggesting the offer is serious. Whether White will take the job remains uncertain, but the announcement has already generated significant buzz in political and sports circles alike.
Should White decline, Trump would need to identify another candidate to fill the vacancy, a decision that will be closely watched as the administration seeks to stabilize its public-facing operations.
