Trump calls Dana White press secretary remark a joke
The U.S. president downplayed his suggestion that the UFC chief could take the White House communications role, calling it a bit of fun rather than a serious offer.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he was only kidding when he proposed that Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, might serve as the next White House press secretary. The comments came in response to a social media post from the previous day that generated significant speculation about the possibility of recruiting the prominent fighter and ally for the high-profile communications position.
The president acknowledged that White, a well-known supporter of his administration, loves the idea of taking on the role. However, Trump insisted that the suggestion was not a serious one, describing it instead as just a little fun for both parties. He told reporters that the initial post was intended as a lighthearted gesture rather than a formal job offer.
In explaining the context of his previous statement, Trump noted that he had included photographs of several prominent UFC fighters in the post. These images suggested that the champions could serve as assistants to White. The president characterized this elaborate setup as part of the joke, aiming to highlight the energetic nature of the proposed team.
The original social media post, shared on Saturday, described White as a violent fighter and warrior. Trump suggested that bringing several current or former UFC champions to the White House staff would be necessary to defend the administration against what he referred to as the Lunatic Left. This language signaled a combative approach to dealing with Democrats, who are preparing to take control of Congress.
Trump indicated that White is scheduled to visit the White House on Monday. While the timing of the visit coincides with the recent comments, the president added that the meeting had been planned for other reasons and was not solely dedicated to discussing the press secretary position.
White has led the Ultimate Fighting Championship for more than two decades, during which time he has built a close relationship with the president. He has been a key ally in Trump's political endeavors, helping to mobilize support for the 2024 presidential campaign.
The two have appeared together at multiple political events, reinforcing their public partnership. Additionally, White played a role in bringing UFC fights to the White House lawn this year, further intertwining the sporting event with the political landscape of the administration.
The exchange highlights the unique dynamic between the president and the sports executive, whose feisty reputation aligns with the administration's recent posture toward its political opponents.
By framing the suggestion as a joke, Trump aims to manage expectations while maintaining the momentum of the narrative he initiated on social media.
The situation remains one of interest as observers watch whether the relationship between the White House and the UFC will continue to expand in the coming weeks.
