President Donald Trump has publicly offered UFC CEO Dana White the position of White House press secretary, making the surprising announcement on Truth Social on November 7. The president urged his longtime friend to accept the job and suggested that several prominent UFC fighters could join him as assistants.
Dana White has not publicly confirmed that he will become White House press secretary. Although a source familiar with the matter reportedly said he declined the proposal, White revealed that he was traveling to Washington, D.C., ahead of a scheduled meeting with Trump on Monday, November 9. The announcement has raised questions about whether the president was making a serious offer or joking with his longtime supporter.
So, is Dana White really becoming Trump’s press secretary? Here’s everything to know about the unusual offer, White’s response and his relationship with the president.
Trump Offered Dana White the White House Press Secretary Job
Trump announced the offer in a Truth Social post on Saturday, November 7, describing White as a powerful personality who could represent his administration.
The president called the UFC executive a “violent Fighter and Warrior” and encouraged him to accept the highly visible government position.
Trump also suggested that White bring several well-known figures from mixed martial arts as assistants, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
The unusual proposal immediately attracted attention because White has spent most of his professional career promoting combat sports rather than working in government communications.
However, the White House did not immediately clarify whether the offer represented a formal appointment or a humorous suggestion.
How Did Dana White Respond to Trump’s Offer?
White addressed the announcement while attending a boxing event in London, where reporters questioned him about the possibility of joining the Trump administration.
Rather than confirming that he would accept the position, the UFC executive explained that he was heading to Washington and had a meeting scheduled with Trump.
White confirmed that he planned to meet the president on Monday, November 9, adding that he expected to have more information afterward.
When questioned about balancing a potential White House position with his existing responsibilities, White acknowledged that he already had several jobs.
He also shared Trump’s announcement on Instagram Stories, alongside an image depicting himself standing behind the White House press briefing room podium.
The image carried the caption “On to the next chapter,” prompting further speculation about his intentions.
Despite the social media activity, White did not explicitly announce that he was accepting the position. A subsequent report citing a source familiar with the matter indicated that he had declined the proposal.
Why Is the White House Press Secretary Position Vacant?
The announcement follows a period of significant personnel changes within the Trump administration.
The White House press secretary position became vacant after Katie Zacharia departed in October following just five days in the role.
Zacharia had replaced Karoline Leavitt, who stepped away from the administration in August to spend more time with her family.
The press secretary serves as the president’s principal spokesperson, regularly addressing journalists and communicating the administration’s positions on domestic and international developments.
White’s potential appointment would represent an unconventional choice because his professional background is primarily in sports promotion, business management and entertainment.
Dana White and Donald Trump Have Been Friends for Decades
White’s connection to Trump extends well beyond the recent press secretary announcement.
The UFC executive has repeatedly credited Trump with supporting mixed martial arts when the sport was struggling to gain mainstream acceptance.
Their relationship developed during the early years of UFC’s expansion, when Trump welcomed events at his Atlantic City properties.
White later became one of Trump’s most recognizable supporters in the sports industry, speaking at Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
Their friendship continued during Trump’s return to the presidency, with the president attending UFC events and maintaining close ties with the organization.
White also helped organize a UFC event on the White House South Lawn as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
Will Dana White Leave the UFC for the White House?
For now, Dana White remains UFC president and CEO, and there has been no official confirmation that he will leave his position to enter the Trump administration.
White has been instrumental in transforming UFC into a globally recognized combat sports organization, overseeing major events, television partnerships and international expansion.
His existing business responsibilities would make a transition into a full-time White House communications role particularly complicated.
The president’s announcement has nevertheless brought renewed attention to White’s political connections and his influence beyond professional fighting.
With a Washington meeting scheduled and questions surrounding the seriousness of Trump’s proposal, White’s possible involvement in the administration remains uncertain. Until an official appointment is confirmed, he should not be considered the new White House press secretary.
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