In brief
On Sunday, November 8, 2026, President Trump told reporters he was only kidding about appointing UFC chief Dana White as White House press secretary, following a Truth Social post that humorously offered the role. Trump clarified the joke and explained the photos of fighters he posted were part of the satire. The White House has yet to issue an official appointment, and no confirmation has come from White or the UFC.
On Sunday, November 8, 2026, President Donald Trump told reporters in Washington that he was only kidding about offering the position of White House press secretary to Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White.
Earlier that week, Trump posted a series of photographs of prominent UFC fighters on his Truth Social feed, branding them as potential assistants to White should the appointment occur. In the same post, he wrote, “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.” The post also promised White would bring foreign assistants to defend the administration against the “Lunatic Left.”
When questioned by a press briefing, Trump confirmed the remarks were made in jest. “I will tell you, I was only kidding,” he said.
I was only kidding – but Dana loves the idea.Another report added that the President’s administration has been without an official press secretary amid speculation.
Trump’s statement clarified that the photos of fighters were part of a joke, not an official recruitment push. No formal nomination or letter of appointment has been released, and Dana White has issued no comment on the matter.
Because the White House is still without a confirmed press secretary, the post has sparked discussion among observers about the mixing of sports executive roles and political appointments. However, no source has confirmed that the offer ever moved beyond the President’s social media post.
The president’s entourage has likewise been silent about any impending transition, and the UFC has not issued a statement confirming or denying any engagement with the White House.
With the White House’s press office still unfilled, the situation remains a media curiosity rather than an official personnel change.
Sources have not resolved whether Dana White intends to accept, whether the appointment would be feasible under Senate confirmation rules, or whether the joke may have spurred any formal inquiries; the matter remains unclear.
