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Trump publicly appeals to longtime ally
President Donald Trump said Sunday that he had offered UFC President Dana White the job of White House press secretary, making the announcement alongside a photo of White and several combat sports stars on Truth Social.
Trump called White a “tough fighter and warrior” who would be a spokesman “like no other,” adding: “Dana, please take the job.”
It was unclear whether the message represented a serious personnel offer or a joke. The White House did not immediately comment, and a UFC spokesperson issued no statement. There was also no confirmation that a formal hiring process had begun.
CNN, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that White had rejected the offer. The New York Times said it was unclear whether Trump was joking or seriously considering White as part of an effort to project defiance after Republicans suffered major losses in the midterm elections.
White House position remains vacant
The press secretary’s job has been vacant for about three weeks. Former press secretary Karoline Leavitt resigned, and her designated successor, Katie Zacharia, was dismissed four days after her appointment amid questions about her résumé and qualifications.
Trump said he also wanted White to bring several prominent fighters onto his staff, naming Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison. Trump acknowledged that some of them are not American.
“We need these people to protect us from the radical left,” Trump said. He also accused Democrats of making unprecedented and illegal threats against Republican donors and party members and said he had directed the Justice Department to investigate Democrats.
The remarks were viewed as another sign that Trump intends to maintain a confrontational approach toward his political opponents despite the Republican Party’s midterm defeat. A day earlier, Trump selected hard-line adviser Stephen Miller to replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. Miller has been a central figure behind the administration’s mass deportation and stricter border-control policies.
White heads to Washington for meeting
Asked about Trump’s offer during a news conference connected to a boxing event in London, White declined to address the matter directly. He told news organizations, including The Washington Post, that he was boarding a flight to Washington.
White said he had a meeting scheduled for Monday and would be able to say more afterward.
White has been a longtime Trump ally and has often appeared with him at UFC events. He also played a central role in preparations when Trump pursued plans to hold a UFC event at the White House on June 14, Trump’s 80th birthday, as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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