US President Donald Trump has reportedly offered his longtime friend and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief executive, Dana White, the position of White House press secretary.
Trump disclosed the offer on Saturday through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing White as a suitable candidate to serve as his administration’s chief spokesperson.
The unusual proposal comes amid significant changes within the White House following the Republican Party’s poor performance in the recent midterm elections.
White, who was in London attending a boxing event, reacted to Trump’s announcement during a news conference, revealing that he would travel to Washington and meet with the president on Monday.
Asked how he intended to combine the proposed role with his existing responsibilities in the combat sports industry, White appeared surprised by the question before responding, “Yeah, I got a lot of jobs already.”
He declined to disclose details of his discussions with Trump but added, “I’m sure I’ll have more to talk about after that.”
Ahead of the news conference, the UFC boss shared a screenshot of Trump’s announcement on Instagram alongside an edited photograph showing him standing behind the podium in the White House press briefing room. The image carried the caption, “On to the next chapter.”
In his Truth Social post, Trump praised White and revealed that he had asked him to consider taking up the position.
He described the UFC chief as “the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior” and suggested that several UFC fighters could accompany him as assistants.
“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!” Trump wrote.
White, however, did not confirm whether he was seriously considering the offer. During the same news conference, he spoke about plans to grow Zuffa Boxing, the organisation he operates with Saudi Arabian investors, and expand its events to different parts of the world.
Neither the White House nor a UFC spokesperson responded to requests for comments on Trump’s announcement.
The development comes at a turbulent period for the Trump administration, which is undergoing a major restructuring following the Republican Party’s heavy losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Democratic candidates recorded significant victories, including in constituencies that had traditionally supported Republicans, resulting in the party losing control of both chambers of Congress.
On Friday, Trump announced that longtime adviser Susie Wiles would be replaced by Stephen Miller as the next White House chief of staff. Miller, a key figure behind the administration’s strict immigration policies, is regarded as one of the president’s closest and most influential aides.
The latest leadership changes followed a brief and troubled attempt to appoint Katie Zacharia as press secretary. Her only appearance before reporters reportedly appeared uncomfortable, and she left the position after just five days.
The office has remained without a substantive press secretary since Karoline Leavitt departed at the end of August, leaving Trump without a permanent chief spokesperson.
Trump and White share a close personal relationship, with the president frequently attending UFC events alongside the organisation’s boss since returning to the White House in January 2025.
In June, Trump also welcomed the UFC to the White House’s South Lawn as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary of independence and his 80th birthday.
An Octagon surrounded by wire mesh was constructed near the executive mansion, beneath a futuristic metal structure known as “The Claw”, which featured lighting, sound equipment, and large screens.
Reflecting on the event, White said, “It was an amazing experience; this was a one-of-a-kind.”
