Trump said he was “only kidding” after publicly urging UFC chief Dana White to take the vacant White House press secretary job.
Story Snapshot
- Trump publicly said he offered Dana White the press secretary job.
- White said he planned to meet Trump in Washington to discuss it.
- Reporters said an Oval Office meeting was expected Monday.
- Trump later said the offer was a joke, though White “loves the idea”.
Public Offer Posted, With Fighter “Assistants” Named
President Trump used his social platform on November 7 to say he offered the White House press secretary job to Ultimate Fighting Championship chief executive Dana White, adding “please take the job!” He also named several star fighters as potential assistants, a colorful touch that drew instant attention and headlines. Coverage of the post showed the names and tone that made the message look like more than a casual aside, and it quickly set off questions about next steps.
Dana White spoke after a fight card in London the same day. He said he was flying to Washington and planned to meet with President Trump on Monday. He told reporters he would have more to say after that meeting. That on-camera remark signaled real conversations were underway, even if the final decision was not made and formal details were not shared at that time. Separate reporting said an Oval Office talk was expected.
Planned Meeting Reported; No Formal Acceptance Documented
Entertainment press and mainstream outlets both reported that White was expected at the White House to talk through the offer. One outlet cited sources who said the discussion would be in the Oval Office. That matched White’s own plan to meet on Monday. No source cited a signed agreement, a start date, or a formal White House personnel notice. Coverage, at this stage, centered on a public offer and an intended meeting, not a completed hire.
Reports did not list compensation, duties, or whether White would keep his role running the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The post mentioned several fighters as assistants, but it was not clear if that was serious staffing or just banter. The White House press secretary is a presidential appointment that does not require Senate confirmation, so presidents have wide latitude to choose the person they want, based on trust and communication skill, not a set resume.
Trump Calls It a Joke After the Buzz Builds
On November 8, President Trump told reporters he was “only kidding” about the offer. He also said White “loves the idea,” which kept interest alive even as the tone shifted. That statement created a split between the public post and the later comment. It also kept the story in the realm of an ambiguous personnel signal rather than a final appointment. No outlet reported that White accepted the job or that a formal announcement followed.
The back-and-forth fits a modern pattern. Presidents can float names in public, test reactions, and then lock in a pick when ready. The press secretary job has evolved over a century and often rewards loyalty and message discipline. That makes an unconventional pick possible. White’s public brand is direct and combative. Supporters see that as useful when dealing with a hostile press that often mischaracterizes conservative policy wins. Whether this was trial balloon or humor, the lane for a nontraditional pick exists.
What Matters for Conservatives Watching This
The press secretary shapes how the public hears about border enforcement, energy policy, spending reforms, and judicial picks. Strong messaging protects the agenda from media spin and pushes back on narratives that attack constitutional rights or smear law-and-order priorities. If Trump taps a fighter-minded messenger, briefings could be clearer, tougher, and more focused on results. If he sticks with a veteran hand, stability and process could be the goal. Either path should serve the mission: defend freedom and tell the truth plainly.
Sources:
tmz.com, people.com, rmb.reuters.com, abc27.com, nytimes.com
