United States President Donald Trump has publicly asked Ultimate Fighting Championship boss Dana White to take up the role of White House press secretary. Trump made the surprising appeal on his Truth Social platform, where he heaped praise on the mixed martial arts promoter, according to Punch.
In his post, Trump wrote that White would deliver a performance like no other in the media briefing room, begging the longtime sports executive to take the position. Trump also jokingly or seriously suggested bringing elite fighters into the White House, calling White a warrior and sharing pictures of six competitors, including Russian mixed martial arts champion Islam Makhachev.
White seemed to acknowledge the chatter on social media, sharing a picture on Instagram where he stood behind the lectern in the White House briefing room. He attached a short caption saying he was moving to the next chapter, though it remains unconfirmed if he is genuinely pursuing the official government appointment.
The press secretary seat opened up in mid-October following the quick departure of Katie Zacharia, who reportedly lasted only several days on the job. The White House, the UFC, and its parent firm, TKO Group Holdings, were contacted for statements regarding the invitation.
White was away in London on Saturday for a boxing card featuring Chris Billam-Smith and Cheavon Clarke at the Copper Box Arena. He currently balances running the UFC with overseeing Zuffa Boxing.
Trump and White share a connection that runs back to 2001, when White and his partners bought the troubled UFC brand for $2 million. Trump offered his Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City to host bouts at a time when major arenas avoided mixed martial arts due to state bans and heavy criticism.
Their mutual loyalty has continued over several decades, with White speaking in support of Trump across his 2016, 2020, and 2024 political runs. Earlier in the year, the UFC even held a fighting event directly on the White House grounds.
