Dana White Turns Down Trump’s Offer to Become White House Press Secretary

UFC boss Dana White has reportedly declined an offer from US President Donald Trump to become the next White House Press Secretary, in what would have been one of the most unconventional appointments in the history of the American presidency.

According to a CNN report, citing a source familiar with the matter, White turned down Trump’s proposal to take charge of the White House communications office.

Trump announced the offer on Saturday, November 7, through a post on his Truth Social platform, describing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president as a “violent Fighter and Warrior” and urging him to accept the position.

“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.

In an unusual twist, Trump also suggested that White bring several prominent UFC fighters along as assistants, naming Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.

“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!” the president added.

White’s possible appointment generated considerable attention, particularly given his close personal relationship with Trump and his prominent role in the president’s political activities.

The UFC chief has been a longstanding supporter of Trump, having spoken at several Republican National Conventions and appeared alongside the president at numerous UFC events.

He also played a significant role in organising the historic UFC event held on the White House South Lawn in June 2026 to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday.

Following Trump’s announcement, White shared an image of himself standing behind the White House press briefing podium, accompanied by the caption, “On to the next chapter.”

However, speaking to reporters in London after a boxing event, White said he was travelling to Washington DC to meet Trump on Monday, November 9.

He declined to disclose whether he was considering the offer, saying he already had several responsibilities.

“I’m flying to Washington, D.C., right now. I’m going to meet with him on Monday. So I’m sure I’ll have more to talk about after that,” he said.

There are also suggestions that Trump’s announcement may not have been an entirely serious offer, with a White House aide reportedly indicating that the president was joking.

The development comes amid significant changes within Trump’s communications team. The White House has been without a press secretary following the departure of Katie Zacharia, who reportedly lasted just five days in the position after replacing Karoline Leavitt.

Whether White’s reported rejection represents a final decision or whether Monday’s meeting could produce a different outcome remains to be seen.

For now, the UFC boss appears more interested in retaining his position in the world of mixed martial arts than taking on the demanding responsibility of defending the Trump administration before the American media.