UFC CEO Dana White Declines Trump’s Offer to Become Press Secretary

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he offered the position of White House press secretary to UFC CEO Dana White, but a source familiar with the situation said White declined the offer. The unusual proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to seek a permanent press secretary following recent departures.

Trump’s Unconventional Offer and Social Media Announcement

On Saturday, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he had offered Dana White the role of press secretary, describing him as a “violent Fighter and Warrior.” Trump requested that White bring assistants and posted photos of six UFC fighters, emphasizing the need to defend against what he called the “Lunatic Left.” The president urged White to accept, saying, “Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other.”

While some aides suggested Trump was joking, the post reflects the president’s ongoing challenges in filling the crucial communications role, particularly as Democrats now control Congress and have pledged investigations into his administration.

Dana White’s Response and Upcoming Meeting with Trump

When asked about the offer at a news conference on Saturday, White did not directly confirm or deny it. He said only that he planned to fly to Washington, DC, to meet with President Trump on Monday. A source, however, confirmed that White declined the offer to become press secretary.

White has been a visible ally of Trump for years, participating in the last three Republican National Conventions and helping the GOP connect with young male voters, a demographic important to Trump’s political base.

Recent White House Press Secretary Turnover

Trump’s search for a press secretary has been tumultuous. Karoline Leavitt served as press secretary for a year and a half before leaving in August to spend more time with her family. She recently joined Fox News as a contributor. After her departure, Katie Zacharia briefly held the position but was fired after just one day, making her tenure the shortest in history.

These rapid changes have added pressure as Trump’s administration faces increased scrutiny from the new Democratic-controlled Congress.

Trump’s Efforts to Appeal to Younger Voters

White has played a role in introducing President Trump to younger voters, especially young men. Earlier this year, Trump credited White with connecting him to “influencers,” young people who helped broaden his appeal. Despite these efforts, the demographic shifted toward Democrats in the recent midterm elections, contributing to the GOP’s loss of congressional majorities.

This summer, Trump hosted a UFC fight on the White House lawn as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, a move aimed at courting these voters.

Ongoing Staffing Changes in the Trump Administration

President Trump has indicated more staff changes are forthcoming. On Friday, he replaced longtime chief of staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, a loyal and hardline aide who will assume the role on Monday. Trump told CBS News, “I’ll be doing maybe a few changes,” underscoring the fluid nature of his team’s composition as he approaches the second year of his term.

As the White House continues to seek a stable communications leader, the offer to Dana White marks an unusual chapter in the administration’s staffing saga.

The story will be updated as more information becomes available.