- Trump clarified that he was 'only kidding' about offering UFC CEO Dana White the press secretary job.
- The press secretary role has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left on 16 October after less than a week on the job.
- Trump urged Dana White to take the job in a social media post, calling him a 'violent fighter and warrior'.
- White was reticent in London, stating he would 'have more to talk about' after meeting with Trump.
- Trump noted that 'Dana loves the idea' of the press secretary position.
Former President Donald Trump clarified that his offer to UFC CEO Dana White for the press secretary position was made in jest. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, "I was only kidding, but Dana loves the idea," highlighting the playful nature of his comments.
The press secretary role has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left on October 16, after serving less than a week. Trump had previously urged White on social media to accept the position, referring to him as a 'violent fighter and warrior.' Trump's playful suggestion included a humorous note about appointing great fighters as White's assistants, saying, "Of course I was kidding, and you could see that because I put all of the great fighters as his assistants."3
White, who has a close relationship with Trump, was non-committal when asked about the offer, stating he would have 'more to talk about' after meeting with Trump. The UFC staged a notable event on the White House South Lawn for Trump's 80th birthday in June, further solidifying their connection. Trump's remarks reflect his characteristic blend of humor and political maneuvering, even as the press secretary position remains unfilled.
“The press secretary position has been empty since Katie Zacharia departed on 16 October after less than a week on the job. White, who appeared with Trump at the 2024 victory speech, said he would 'have more to talk about' after meeting with the president.”
