President Donald Trump clarified on Sunday that he was just joking when he floated the idea of naming UFC CEO Dana White as his next White House press secretary. The suggestion, made in a social media post the day before, had sparked quick speculation about bringing the outspoken fight promoter into a high-profile administration role.
Trump told reporters he was “only kidding” and described the whole thing as “just a little fun.” He explained that he had posted photos of well-known UFC fighters as possible assistants for White as part of the gag. In the original post, Trump called White a “violent Fighter and Warrior” and joked that the fighters would help “defend us against the Lunatic Left.”
According to Trump, White actually likes the idea of the job, but the president stressed he never seriously planned to offer it. He also confirmed that White is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, though the meeting was arranged for other reasons and has nothing to do with a press secretary role.
Dana White has been a longtime Trump supporter. He has led the Ultimate Fighting Championship for more than two decades and played an active part in mobilizing support during the 2024 presidential campaign. White has appeared with Trump at multiple political events and helped arrange UFC fights on the White House lawn earlier this year.
The lighthearted post and quick walk-back come at a politically charged moment. Democrats are preparing to take control of Congress, and Trump’s joking tone about needing tough “assistants” from the fight world was widely seen as a signal of the combative style he plans to use in the months ahead.
For now, the idea of Dana White standing at the White House podium remains just a joke. Trump made that clear, while still showing how closely he continues to associate with the popular UFC chief.
