President Donald Trump said he had been joking about the idea of Dana White as White House press secretary after the UFC chief executive rejected the role during a White House appearance Monday, Nov. 9. No appointment was announced during the appearance.
White House video shows Trump asking White about the job. White said he had “zero political aspirations,” thanked Trump for the offer and said he did not want to be in politics. Trump replied that he was “sort of kidding.”
Trump said the idea came to him on what he called a “very bad press day.” The exchange followed his Nov. 7 post on Truth Social, which said he had offered White the position and urged him to take it. Trump also wrote that he wanted White to bring several fighters as assistants. EconoTimes previously reported Trump’s offer to White.
White said Trump called while he was in London for a Zuffa Boxing event. Before the meeting, White had told reporters, “We have a meeting on Monday,” and said he already had many jobs. During the White House appearance, he described the attention around Trump’s suggestion as “insane.” The UFC identifies White as its chief executive.
The press secretary role was open after Katie Zacharia left following five days in the job, the Associated Press and Reuters reported. Karoline Leavitt left the position at the end of August. Monday’s appearance ended without an appointment being announced.
