Trump Dana White Press Secretary Joke Update: Only Kidding

President Donald Trump said Sunday he was “only kidding” when he announced he had offered UFC chief executive Dana White the vacant White House press secretary job. The Dana White press secretary joke came days after the Republican Party's bruising midterm losses and left Washington guessing whether the long-time Trump ally would really take the podium.

What Trump Actually Said About the Dana White Press Secretary Offer

On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had made White an offer to become press secretary, with a number of well-known fighters as his assistants. He described White as a “violent fighter and warrior” and said he needed White and his team “to defend us against the left, the crazed extremists.” The post named UFC stars including Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes as proposed deputies.

By Sunday evening, however, Trump told reporters the announcement was not serious. “I can tell you I was only kidding,” he said, adding that White “loves the idea” and is “a very capable guy.” Trump said the giveaway was the fighter lineup.

Why the White House Press Secretary Seat Has Been Vacant Since October 16

The press secretary role — one of the president's most visible spokespeople — has been empty since October 16, when Katie Zacharia departed after just five days. Her first briefing lasted under 15 minutes and took questions from only three outlets, and scrutiny mounted after it emerged she had described herself as an attorney despite not passing the bar exam. The 41-year-old Zacharia had replaced Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in the summer to spend more time with her family.

Leavitt, 28, was known for a combative style and close ties to Trump. The rapid turnover echoed Anthony Scaramucci's brief 2017 White House stint, and drew fresh attention to the White House press secretary turnover that has become a recurring theme of the administration.

Dana White's Long Relationship with Trump

White, 57, has run the UFC for more than two decades and is a close friend and confidant of Trump. He was involved in Trump's 2024 campaign and stood on stage when Trump was re-elected. In June 2026, the White House hosted a UFC cage fight to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, with MMA fighters walking into the executive mansion in shorts.

The UFC 250 White House cage fight underlined the pair's bond, which has now spilled into a high-profile publicity moment over the press secretary post. White said Saturday he would fly to Washington for a meeting with Trump; the president confirmed the meeting but said it would be about “other matters.”

Key facts about Dana White

• CEO and president of UFC since 2001; named CEO in 2023.
• Estimated net worth over $600 million in 2025, according to Forbes.
• Elected to Meta Platforms' board of directors in 2025.
• Long-time friend and political ally of Donald Trump.

What Happens Next for the Press Secretary Job

No replacement has been named. The vacancy comes at a difficult moment for the White House. Following the 2026 midterm election losses, Democrats won majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, meaning Trump will face a Congress controlled by his political opponents for the next two years.

On Friday, Trump replaced chief of staff Susie Wiles with hardliner Stephen Miller. The chief of staff is a key figure in smoothing political friction, and Miller's appointment signals a more combative direction for the administration's messaging.

FAQ: Dana White Press Secretary Joke

Did Trump really offer Dana White the press secretary job?

Trump said Sunday he was “only kidding.” He had posted about the offer on Truth Social but later told reporters it was a joke.

Why did Trump name UFC fighters as assistants?

Trump said the fighter lineup — including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes — should have made clear the announcement was not serious.

How long has the White House press secretary job been vacant?

The role has been vacant since October 16, 2026, when Katie Zacharia left after five days.

What happened to Katie Zacharia?

Zacharia resigned amid criticism of her brief tenure and questions over whether she had misrepresented herself as an attorney.

Is Dana White taking the job?

No. White is set to meet Trump in Washington, but the president said the discussion will be about “other matters.”