Dana White appears alongside Trump at White House briefing - Is UFC boss the next press secretary?

UFC CEO Dana White made an unexpected appearance alongside President Donald Trump during a White House press conference on Monday, which reignited speculation on whether he would be the next press secretary for the administration. The sudden appearance came days after Trump announced via social media that he had offered his old friend the press secretary job. It was not clear whether White was preparing himself for a new career. However, it turns out that the job offer was nothing but a joke. White even took questions from reporters before making his position on joining politics clear.

DID TRUMP REALLY OFFER WHITE THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY JOB?

According to the Associated Press, Trump showed up in the White House briefing room with White, giving the UFC executive a chance to be at center stage for once.

"I've always wanted to do this," White joked before asking reporters, "Who has the first question?"

The unusual appearance followed Trump's Saturday announcement on Truth Social that he had offered White the press secretary position. The president described his friend as a fighter and encouraged him to accept the job.



The announcement quickly attracted attention, particularly because the White House press secretary position remains vacant following Katie Zacharia's departure after just five days in the role.

However, Trump clarified on Sunday that he was not serious about the offer.

"I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea, and he is a very capable guy," Trump told reporters.

During Monday's briefing, Trump again asked White whether he wanted to become press secretary or continue running the UFC.

White politely declined, making it clear that he had no intention of entering politics.

"Thank you for the offer," White responded, adding, "I do not want to be in politics, no."

WHY DID DANA WHITE JOIN TRUMP AT THE WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING?

Trump clarified in the press conference that his joke about the press secretary was made because he had a tough time with media lately.

The appearance also came after Republicans suffered major losses in the November midterm elections, prompting changes within Trump's administration.



White, meanwhile, appeared amused by the attention surrounding his potential White House role. He even answered a question about whether Trump should consider granting a posthumous pardon to baseball legend Pete Rose, although he stressed that he does not advise the president.

Trump and White are longtime friends. In fact, their friendship was even emphasized in June as the UFC held a significant fight event at the South Lawn of the White House to mark the 250th anniversary of America.

Despite their close association, White has made his position very clear. He is determined to stay concentrated on the UFC and not get into politics.