UFC chief Dana White turns down Donald Trump's offer to become White House press secretary

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief executive Dana White has declined US President Donald Trump's offer to become the next White House press secretary, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, after Trump publicly urged his longtime friend and political ally to take up the position.

Trump made the unusual offer on Saturday (local time) through a post on his Truth Social platform, proposing White for the high-profile communications role and suggesting that several prominent mixed martial arts fighters join him as assistants in the White House briefing room.

Also Read: Trump says he's asked UFC head Dana White to be his press secretary


"I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States," Trump wrote.

The US President also floated the names of UFC fighters Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison as potential members of White's team.

Trump said the fighters could help his administration counter political opposition.

"We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!" he added.

However, CNN subsequently reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, that White had turned down the offer. A White House aide separately indicated that Trump had been joking about the proposal.

Also Read: 'Dana White, please take the job!': Trump offers UFC chief White House press secretary role, names Khabib, Makhachev as aides

The episode comes as the Trump administration looks for a new White House press secretary following Karoline Leavitt's departure and Katie Zacharia's brief five-day stint in the position, CNN reported.

The search for a replacement comes at a politically sensitive time for the administration, with Democratic victories in the midterm elections raising the prospect of increased congressional scrutiny and intensifying political pressure.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung appeared to endorse Trump's suggestion, reposting the President's Truth Social message on X with the caption: "Hell yeah! Do it, @DanaWhite!"