Trump asked Dana White, president and CEO of the UFC, to serve as White House press secretary on Saturday. The president posted on Truth Social that he wanted White to "defend us against the Lunatic Left" and called him "a Press Secretary like none other."
White responded on Instagram with a photoshopped image of himself at the press secretary's podium, but has not formally accepted the role. CNN reported later Saturday, citing sources, that White ultimately declined the offer.
Trump's post named UFC fighters he wanted White to bring as assistants, including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris.
Trump and White have maintained a relationship for 25 years, dating to when Trump hosted early UFC fights at his Atlantic City casino. White endorsed Trump in 2016 and spoke at three Republican National Conventions. In June 2026, the UFC hosted a Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
The offer came weeks after Katie Zacharia left the press secretary post on October 16 after five days. The position has seen rapid turnover in Trump's administration. Anthony Scaramucci served as press secretary for 11 days during Trump's first term in 2017.