Trump Admits Dana White Press Secretary Offer Was a Joke

President Trump spent Saturday floating Dana White as his next White House press secretary. By Sunday, he was laughing it off — but the UFC boss apparently wasn't entirely opposed to the idea.

The Punchline Explained

Trump clarified the gag while speaking to reporters on his return from his Florida beach club, according to The Guardian World. The joke's premise: if [Dana White](/) — flanked by six UFC fighters — ran the briefing room, the press corps "wouldn't mess around with him so much." Simple enough in concept, presidential in delivery.

"Of course, I was kidding," Trump told reporters. "It was just a little fun." He acknowledged that the gag landed well enough that some people started treating it like a genuine pitch, which he seemed to enjoy.

White Liked the Sound of It

Trump didn't completely close the door on his friend, though. He made a point of noting that White is "a very capable guy" and that the UFC chief appeared to warm to the idea once it was out there. That tracks — [White has been one of Trump's loudest advocates](article/dana-white-calls-white-house-card-biggest-thing-ufc-has-done), going back well before the 2024 election cycle.

White famously described Trump as "the toughest, most resilient human being I have ever met in my life" at the Republican National Convention, a line he repeated often on the campaign trail. That loyalty hasn't gone unnoticed at the White House.

The Role Is Actually Vacant

Here's the real story beneath the punchline: the press secretary position has been empty for three weeks. Trump's previous pick, far-right commentator Katie Zacharia, was forced out after failing to explain why she had described herself as an attorney despite not having passed the bar exam. That's not a great look for a spokesperson.

So while Trump was busy joking about loading up the briefing room with [UFC fighters](article/oliveira-says-mcgregor-hand-picked-holloway-for-ufc-329), the actual job remains unfilled. The administration needs a real answer there — and fast.

AI Video Adds Controversy

The press secretary joke wasn't the only headline White's name generated over the weekend. Trump also reposted an AI-animated cartoon — created by a supporter — that depicted UFC fighters attacking journalists. The clip included fighter Josh Hokit repeating a racist remark he had made about Michelle Obama at a White House UFC event in June. Trump did not comment on that portion of the video.

The UFC's White House ties have been prominently on display recently. A series of taxpayer-funded, pro-Trump ads — aired ahead of the midterms — closed with footage from that June birthday fight card at the White House and audio of White heaping praise on the president. The [UFC's White House event](article/dana-white-calls-white-house-card-biggest-thing-ufc-has-done) has become something of a recurring political touchstone for the administration.

Bottom Line

Trump says it was a joke. White apparently thought it had some merit. The press secretary seat is still empty. And somewhere in a briefing room, six imaginary UFC fighters are standing by.

For a promotion that never stops making news outside the cage — whether it's [White clashing with rival promoters](article/dana-white-bored-with-hearn-feud-but-credits-for-uk-venue) or developing the next generation of talent at the [UFC Performance Institute](article/dana-white-ufc-performance-institute-will-elevate-johnny-fisher-s-game) — this weekend served as another reminder that Dana White's orbit extends well beyond fight night.

Related on Ni4o: Dana White Calls White House Card UFC's Biggest Ever · Dana White: Bored With Hearn Feud But Credits For UK Venue · Dana White: UFC Performance Institute Will Elevate Johnny Fisher's Game