Donald Trump has publicly invited Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), to serve as the next White House Press Secretary. In a post shared on Truth Social on Saturday afternoon, Trump urged his longtime ally to take the position, describing him as a unique fit for the role.
A Public Call to Action on Truth Social
Trump's social media post was direct, calling for the combat sports executive to step into the political arena. "Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other," Trump stated, followed by a plea for him to accept the position. The offer comes at a time of transition for the administration following the US midterm elections, in which Republicans lost their majorities in Congress.
The role of White House Press Secretary has been unoccupied since mid-October. The previous appointee, Katie Zacharia, stepped down from the position after serving for only a few days.
The "Warrior" Approach to Media Relations
Trump’s vision for the press office appears to involve a more aggressive stance toward the media. In his post, he referred to Dana White as a "warrior" and a "violent Fighter." He further suggested that White should bring several prominent UFC fighters with him to Washington, sharing photos of six athletes he believes could help "defend us against the Lunatic Left."
White's own response on social media added to the speculation. He shared an image on Instagram showing him standing behind the official podium in the White House press briefing room. His caption, "On to the next chapter," has left many wondering if the transition is already in motion, though it remains unclear if the post was intended to be serious. Neither TKO Holdings, the parent company of the UFC, nor the White House has provided an official confirmation regarding the job offer.
A Decades-Long Alliance Between Trump and White
The relationship between the two men dates back over twenty years. In 2001, when Dana White and his partners acquired the UFC for $2 million, the sport was struggling for legitimacy. It faced intense bipartisan criticism, notably from the late Republican Senator John McCain, who famously described mixed martial arts as "human cockfighting." This backlash led to the sport being banned in 36 US states.
At a time when mainstream arenas and venues refused to host events, Donald Trump provided a platform. He hosted two early UFC events at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In a 2025 interview with CBS, White recalled that venues "didn't believe in it" and were concerned about the type of crowd the sport would attract. White has frequently credited Trump's early support with saving the organization.
Key milestones in their partnership include:
* 2001: Trump hosts UFC 30 and UFC 31 in Atlantic City.
* 2016, 2020, 2024: White serves as a featured speaker at the Republican National Conventions.
* Summer 2025: The UFC holds a cage match on the White House lawn.
Managing the Press Corps
If White takes the job, he would bring a history of confrontational interactions with the media. As the face of the UFC, he has often clashed with journalists during news conferences.
In 2009, White was involved in a controversy after releasing an expletive-laden video targeting a journalist over backstage credentialing rules. Later, in 2020, he released a video criticizing reporters who questioned the UFC's decision to continue holding fights during the early stages of the pandemic. Whether this combative style will be applied to the White House press briefing room remains a subject of intense public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current White House Press Secretary?
The position is currently vacant following the departure of Katie Zacharia in mid-October, who held the role for only a few days before exiting.
How did Donald Trump and Dana White first meet?
The two became allies in 2001 when Trump hosted UFC events at his Atlantic City casino at a time when the sport was banned in many states and shunned by major venues.
Has Dana White officially accepted the White House job?
While White posted a photo of himself at the White House podium with the caption "On to the next chapter," there has been no official confirmation from the White House or TKO Holdings regarding a formal appointment.