WASHINGTON (Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump has offered Ultimate Fighting Championship chief executive Dana White the position of White House press secretary, turning to a longtime friend and political supporter for a role that has remained vacant following a series of staff changes.
Trump announced the offer in a social media post on Saturday, praising White and urging him to take the job. White, however, indicated that he already had substantial professional commitments and would discuss the matter with the president during a meeting scheduled for Monday.
Speaking in London after a boxing event, the 57-year-old promoter confirmed he planned to travel to Washington but declined to provide details about the proposed appointment.
“I’ve got a lot of jobs already,” White told reporters at the post-fight news conference for Zuffa Boxing 12. He added that he expected to have more to say after meeting Trump.
White also posted an image of himself standing at the White House press briefing podium on his Instagram story, accompanied by the words “On to the next chapter”. The post fuelled speculation about whether he was considering a move into government.
However, reports circulating before his comments indicated that White was expected to decline the offer. He has not publicly confirmed a final decision.
Trump made the announcement while at his golf club in Florida, describing White as a fighter and warrior and saying he had asked him to bring assistants to the White House.
The president also named several prominent mixed martial arts figures in his post, including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
Trump framed the proposed team in political terms, saying they could help defend his administration against what he called the “Lunatic Left”.
The position became vacant in October after Katie Zacharia was removed from the role following just five days in the job. Karoline Leavitt had previously served as press secretary before leaving in August after the birth of her second child.
The vacancy has added an unusual dimension to the administration’s search for a communications official, with Trump’s public offer to a prominent sports executive attracting attention beyond the political arena.
A longstanding political and personal alliance
White and Trump have maintained a close relationship for more than two decades, with their association dating back to 2001, when the Trump Taj Mahal casino hosted a UFC event.
Their relationship has since developed into a visible political alliance. White has repeatedly expressed support for Trump and delivered speeches at the Republican National Convention in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Trump, meanwhile, has become a regular presence at UFC events, often appearing alongside White and receiving attention from spectators and fighters.
Their cooperation has also extended to major public events. In June, the UFC staged a fight card on the White House’s South Lawn as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday.
The event highlighted the growing overlap between the president’s political image and the sport’s expanding cultural profile.
White’s possible appointment would represent an unconventional choice for a role traditionally occupied by communications professionals responsible for explaining administration policy, responding to journalists and managing the president’s public messaging.
As UFC chief, White has built a reputation as a forceful promoter and an outspoken public figure. His experience in handling media attention and communicating with large audiences could be relevant to the position, although the demands of a government press office differ substantially from those of a sports organisation.
The press secretary is a central figure in the White House communications operation, regularly addressing reporters on domestic policy, foreign affairs and presidential decisions. The job can involve intense scrutiny, particularly during periods of political controversy.
Monday meeting could clarify decision
White’s planned meeting with Trump in Washington is expected to provide an opportunity for the two men to discuss the offer, although neither has outlined what will be covered.
His comments in London suggested that his existing responsibilities at the UFC and other ventures could complicate any decision to enter government service.
For now, the president’s public invitation has not resulted in a confirmed appointment. White has neither formally accepted the position nor announced a definitive refusal.
The outcome could offer an indication of how seriously Trump intends to pursue an unconventional candidate for the administration’s communications role.
Until White makes his decision, the White House press secretary position remains without a confirmed permanent replacement.
