UFC chief executive Dana White is expected to meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday to discuss an offer to become the next White House press secretary. However, reports differ on whether White is interested in taking the job.
White, who was in London for a boxing event on Saturday, confirmed that he was heading to Washington, DC, and would meet Trump. Asked about the offer, he told a reporter: “I'm flying to Washington, DC, right now.”
He added: “I'm sure we'll have more to talk about after that.”
Deep Dive
Did Dana White accept Trump's offer to become White House press secretary?
Why did Trump ask Dana White to become press secretary?
What did Trump propose Dana White bring to the White House?
According to TMZ, which cited sources with direct knowledge, the meeting is scheduled to take place in the Oval Office on Monday. CNN, however, reported that a source familiar with the matter said White had declined the offer. White has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to accept it.
Trump asks UFC chief to take press secretary job
Trump announced the offer in a Truth Social post on Saturday, describing White as a “violent Fighter and Warrior”.
{{/usCountry}}Trump announced the offer in a Truth Social post on Saturday, describing White as a “violent Fighter and Warrior”.
{{/usCountry}}The president also suggested that White bring several UFC fighters to Washington as assistants, naming Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left,” Trump wrote, before adding: “Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
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White shared Trump's announcement on Instagram and posted an image of himself standing behind the White House press briefing podium. The caption read: “On to the next chapter.” He did not clarify whether the post meant he was accepting the position.
White House press secretary position vacant
The offer comes as the White House looks for a replacement after Katie Zacharia's brief tenure as press secretary ended last month. She held the position for just five days after taking over following Karoline Leavitt's departure in August.
The UFC chief has known the president for years and supported his political campaigns, including the 2024 presidential race. White also spoke at the last three Republican National Conventions and helped bring Trump to a younger audience through UFC events.
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Trump and White worked together on the UFC event held on the White House lawn in June as part of celebrations marking America's 250th anniversary.
The press secretary is responsible for communicating the administration's position to reporters and answering questions at regular White House briefings. White, who has led the UFC for years, has no established background in government or political communications.
The White House has not publicly clarified whether Trump's offer was a formal appointment proposal or whether the president was joking. White's reported meeting with Trump on Monday could provide more clarity, but he has not announced a decision.