President Donald Trump publicly offered the White House press secretary position to Ultimate Fighting Championship chief Dana White on Truth Social Saturday. The vacancy has persisted since mid-October, when Katie Zacharia exited after a five-day tenure that remains the shortest in American history. She succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who held the role from January 20, 2025, through August 27 before stepping down to join Fox News as a contributor at age 27. Trump described White as "a violent Fighter and Warrior" and explicitly requested he bring assistants including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris. The president stated these individuals would "defend us against the Lunatic Left," noting that some are not from the United States.
A Combative History
White’s response included an Instagram photo of himself behind the briefing room podium with the caption "On to the next chapter," though it remains unclear if the post was tongue-in-cheek. He is a longtime ally of Trump, crediting the president with saving the struggling organization in 2001 by hosting two events at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City. This support came just five years after Senator John McCain labeled mixed martial arts "human cockfighting," sparking bans in 36 states. White has spoken openly about venues refusing to host the sport due to crowd concerns, a stigma that persisted until mainstream arenas began accepting them. The relationship deepened this summer when the UFC held a cage match on the White House lawn.
Uncertain Intent
It is unclear whether the job offer is genuine or merely a publicity stunt following recent midterm election losses for Republicans. The BBC asked both the White House and TKO Holdings for comment, but neither provided an immediate response. White’s public persona includes frequent clashes with journalists, most notably a 2020 video targeting reporters over pandemic-era fight decisions. In 2009, he released an expletive-laden tirade using an anti-gay slur while rebutting a story about backstage credentialing rules. These incidents highlight a combative style that contrasts sharply with the diplomatic tone typically required for the press secretary role. Trump previously mused about considering musician Nikki Minaj for the same position last week, suggesting a pattern of unconventional candidates.
