Washington, DC, November 9 (ANI): US President Donald Trump has clarified that he was “only kidding” after suggesting UFC CEO Dana White as a potential candidate to fill the vacant White House press secretary position. The remark inadvertently sparked confusion on social media involving a former Pentagon official.
The press secretary position has remained vacant since Katie Zacharia was dismissed in October following a turbulent debut press briefing. Zacharia had taken over the role after Karoline Leavitt’s departure in August. Leavitt served as the administration’s chief spokesperson for 19 months before stepping down to focus on her family.
“I will tell you, I was only kidding,” Trump told reporters, adding that he had posted pictures of leading UFC fighters as prospective aides to White as part of the joke.
The comments followed a weekend post on Truth Social in which the president announced that White had been approached about the prominent communications position and publicly encouraged his longtime associate to accept the role.
The post featured an artificial intelligence-generated image of White standing behind the White House briefing podium, immediately sparking speculation about an unconventional staffing choice.
While Trump claimed White “loves the idea,” he acknowledged that the proposal was never intended to be taken seriously, describing it as “just a little fun.”
In his weekend social media post, Trump described White as a “violent fighter and warrior” while urging him to take the position.
“Dana, please take the job!” the president wrote, suggesting that White recruit several active and retired UFC champions to serve as assistants.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other,” the post added.
Trump also shared images of six UFC fighters, presenting them as potential members of White’s media team.
According to an insider familiar with the situation cited by CNN, White declined the unconventional offer. A White House aide also confirmed to the network that the president’s proposal was made in jest.
Meanwhile, former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White addressed the confusion on LinkedIn, expressing appreciation for the well-wishes while clarifying that she was not being considered for the position.
“I’ve stood at the podium and taken questions from the Pentagon press corps. I have never stood in an octagon. I’d like to keep it that way,” she wrote, referring to the mixed martial arts fighting arena.
Dana White, who has maintained a close relationship with Trump for years, has led the UFC for more than two decades. He played a significant role in rallying support for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and has frequently appeared alongside him at public rallies.
Their relationship has extended beyond traditional political boundaries, with White facilitating UFC events on White House grounds earlier this year.
Although Trump said White was scheduled to visit the White House on Monday, he emphasized that the appointment had been arranged for unrelated matters rather than ongoing discussions about the vacant press secretary position. (ANI)
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