Listen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated using AI-based technology. Pronunciation errors may occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve results. US President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has offered the job of White House press secretary to his friend and UFC boss Dana White, an unconventional announcement even for the norm-breaking president. White said Saturday that he plans to meet with Trump on Monday at the White House. Trump, while at his golf club in Florida, posted on social media that he made the offer to “the Great Dana White, a violent fighter and warrior” to become the Republican president’s top spokesman. White, who was in London on Saturday for a boxing event, was asked at a news conference about Trump’s post and responded by saying he planned to fly to Washington immediately afterward and meet with Trump on Monday. When asked how he would balance work with the current positions he has in the wrestling world, White seemed confused by the question and then said, “Yeah, I already have a lot of jobs.” He declined to say what conversations he had with Trump, but said, “I’m sure I’ll have more to talk about after that.” White and Trump are seen at the White House on June 14. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/The Associated Press) Ahead of the press conference, the UFC chief shared an image of Trump’s Instagram post, along with an image of himself standing behind the podium in the White House press room with the words “On to the next chapter.” The White House and a UFC spokesperson did not respond Saturday to messages asking about Truth Social’s post. Trump said in his post that he requested that White bring in several UFC fighters as “assistants,” adding, “We need these people to defend us against the lunatic left. Dana will be a press secretary like no other. Dana, please take the job!” While White did not make clear whether he was seriously considering the position of becoming the US president’s chief spokesman, elsewhere in his press conference he outlined his ambitions to expand the Zuffa Boxing organization he also runs with sponsors from Saudi Arabia and hold more events around the world. Transition period Trump’s appointment came as his White House is in a major transition period and struggling with his party’s deep losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Historic victories by Democratic candidates, even in areas that Republicans had dominated for decades, led to the GOP losing control of both chambers of Congress. Trump announced Friday that he would replace his longtime adviser Susie Wiles, who was seen as something of a moderating force on the president’s impulses, with his aide Stephen Miller as his next chief of staff. Miller is known as the architect of the administration’s hardline immigration policies and is among the most determined of Trump’s inner circle. The shakeup at the heart of his administration follows the brief but tumultuous week in which Trump tried out a new press secretary in Katie Zacharia, who appeared uncomfortable in her only appearance with reporters before leaving the job after five days. The position had been vacant since Karoline Leavitt left at the end of August. Trump remains without a main spokesman. Close FriendsTrump is close friends with White and has attended several UFC events with him since returning to the White House in January 2025. He brought White and the sport to the South Lawn of the White House in June for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence and the president’s 80th birthday. A wire mesh octagon was built near the executive mansion beneath “the Claw,” a spaceship-like metal arch equipped with lights, sound equipment and large screens. “It was an incredible experience, it was unique,” White said afterward. White also spoke at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
