Trump Offers Dana White the White House Press Secretary Job — UFC Chief Says He’s Flying to Washington
President Donald Trump offered the White House press secretary job to UFC president Dana White on Saturday, 7 November 2026, in a Truth Social post — and within hours White said he was flying to Washington to meet Trump on Monday, 9 November.
“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. “Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
Six fighters named as White’s would-be “assistants”
Trump also asked White to bring six mixed martial arts fighters with him as assistants, “even though some are not from our Country”: Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison. “We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left,” he wrote.
| Fighter named by Trump | Best known for |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | Former UFC lightweight champion |
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | Retired undefeated former UFC lightweight champion |
| Justin Gaethje | Former UFC interim lightweight champion |
| Daniel Cormier | Former UFC champion in two weight classes |
| Amanda Nunes | Retired former UFC champion in two women’s divisions |
| Kayla Harrison | Two-time Olympic judo gold medallist and UFC fighter |
“I’m flying to Washington, DC, right now”
White was in London on Saturday for a boxing event when reporters asked him about the post. “I’m flying to Washington, DC, right now,” he said at the news conference, adding that he would meet Trump on Monday but declining to discuss specifics. “I’m sure I’ll have more to talk about after that,” he said.
He also posted a photograph of himself standing behind the White House briefing-room podium on his Instagram story, captioned “On to the next chapter”, and reposted Trump’s announcement. USA Today reported that the White House did not respond to its request for comment.
Joke or genuine offer? The answer is still unclear
Whether Trump means it is not yet clear. Trump is known for sharing satirical content on his social media platform, and CNN reported on Saturday that White had turned the job down and that a White House source said Trump was joking, the Arizona Republic reported. Neither the White House nor the UFC confirmed that account on Saturday, and the Associated Press reported that a UFC spokesperson did not respond to its messages.
A vacancy that has already burned through two names
The press secretary role has been open since Katie Zacharia left after only five days on the job in October, according to USA Today. Before her, Karoline Leavitt held the post for more than a year and a half before announcing in August that she was leaving to spend more time with her family.
The second eye-catching move of a turbulent week
The offer is the second striking personnel move of a turbulent week for the White House. On Friday, Trump named Stephen Miller as chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles in the first major staff change since Republicans lost control of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Miller takes over on Monday — the same day White is due to meet the president.
A 25-year friendship forged in the fight business
White, 57, has led the UFC since 2001, when the promotion was bought for about $2 million, and stayed on as president when it was sold for $4 billion in 2016. He spoke at the 2016 and 2024 Republican National Conventions, introducing Trump at the latter and calling him his 25-year friend.
The two men’s ties run deep. The UFC staged its Freedom 250 event on the White House lawn in June, on the president’s birthday, as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. The UFC’s parent company, TKO Holdings, reported $519.2 million in revenue from the promotion in the third quarter of 2026.
Dana White press secretary offer: your questions answered
Has Dana White accepted the press secretary job?
No. White has only said he will fly to Washington and meet Trump on Monday, 9 November. He has not said whether he will take the job, and CNN reported he had turned it down.
Is Trump serious about the offer?
That is still unclear. Trump announced it publicly on Truth Social and urged White to “please take the job”, but he is known for satirical posts, and a White House source told CNN he was joking. No formal appointment has been announced.
Who is Dana White?
White is the president and chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which he has led since 2001, turning it into a global promotion. He is a longtime friend and supporter of Donald Trump.
Who were the six fighters Trump named?
Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison. Trump asked White to bring them as “assistants”, even though some are not from the United States.
Who was the last White House press secretary?
Karoline Leavitt held the role for more than a year and a half before leaving in August 2026. Katie Zacharia then served only five days in October before leaving, and the post has been vacant since.
