Trump names UFC chief Dana White as White House press secretary pick
The promotion of a major sports executive to a key communications role follows the rapid departure of the previous press secretary and a decisive mid-term loss.
By Samantha Reed ·
Donald Trump has formally offered the White House press secretary position to Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The administration has operated without an official spokesperson since Katie Zacharia resigned last month. Her tenure lasted five days, ending after a widely criticized debut. Karoline Leavitt, who preceded Zacharia, departed earlier to spend more time with family. Leavitt was generally regarded as a competent and calm operator in the role.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described White as a violent fighter and warrior. He stated he had offered White the job and suggested bringing in fighters Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje to serve as assistants. Trump wrote that the administration needs these individuals to defend them against the Lunatic Left. He concluded the message by urging White to accept the position.
White maintains a close personal and political relationship with the president. He has spoken at Trump rallies and the UFC hosted a major event on the White House lawn in June. Steven Cheung, the UFC's former public affairs boss, currently serves as the president's communications director.
The timing of the offer coincides with administrative changes following the president's loss in the mid-term elections this week. Influential adviser Stephen Miller has already replaced Susie Wiles as chief of staff. White continues to lead the UFC and is building Zuffa, a new boxing company. These existing responsibilities raise questions about his availability for a high-pressure government role.
CNN reported that White initially declined the offer. However, speaking at a boxing event in London, White confirmed he will meet with Trump at the White House on Monday. US political analyst Calvin Dark suggested the offer may be a strategic move to generate headlines. Dark noted that Trump might be using a facetious suggestion to steal a headline, with White politely refusing the role.
The press secretary serves as the president's primary spokesperson. The role involves hosting regular briefings to explain and communicate policy to the public and media. The position remains vacant until a successor is confirmed.
