President Donald Trump made an unexpected offer to UFC president and CEO Dana White on Saturday, inviting him to serve as the next White House press secretary. The proposal was announced via a post on Truth Social, where the President emphasized that the opportunity also extended to White’s assistants, noting that some of them were not from the United States.
In his message, Trump described the need for these individuals to help defend the administration against what he called the Lunatic Left. He praised White, stating that he would be a press secretary unlike any other and urged the sports executive to accept the position. The President’s direct appeal aimed to bring a high-profile figure into the role of communicating the administration’s message to the public.
White appeared to respond to the social media post by sharing an image on his Instagram stories. In the photo, he was seen standing behind the podium in the White House press briefing room. The caption accompanying the image read, On to the next chapter. It remains unclear whether the UFC chief has formally accepted the job or if the post was a playful acknowledgment of the President’s request.
The move follows the recent departure of White House press secretary Katie Zacharia. She left the position in October, just five days after beginning her tenure as the replacement for Karole Levitt. The President told reporters that he suggested Zacharia resign after her first and only press briefing. During that session, she had only six minutes to address the press and took questions from just three reporters.
Trump explained the situation outside the White House on October 16, saying he spoke directly with Zacharia about the role. He recalled asking her if the position was right for her, leading to her decision to step down. This change in leadership occurred amidst a broader restructuring of the White House staff.
The offer to White comes shortly after the announcement on Friday that Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff, would be promoted to chief of staff. Miller will replace Susie Wiles in the role. This personnel shake-up happened just three days after Democrats secured a landslide victory in the midterm elections, gaining majority control in both the House and the Senate.
The President and White have maintained a close friendship for many years. During Trump’s first presidential campaign in 2016, White publicly praised the then Republican nominee, describing him as a fighter. White noted that while many had overlooked the potential of the UFC, Trump was among the first to recognize its value and encouraged the organization to build its business.
The bond between the two was highlighted further in June when Trump hosted a UFC event on the South Lawn of the White House for his 80th birthday. The event, branded as UFC Freedom 250, brought the sport into the heart of the capital. This history of personal and professional interaction sets the stage for White’s potential transition into government service.
Both the White House and the UFC did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the status of the offer. The development marks a significant moment in the administration’s communications strategy as it prepares to navigate a new political landscape with Democratic control of Congress.
The situation remains fluid as the administration adjusts to the post election environment. The potential appointment of a sports executive to a key communications role has drawn attention to how the White House plans to manage its narrative in the coming months.
