Trump says he offered Dana White the White House press secretary job
The UFC chief has not said he accepted, and no appointment has been announced. Here is what is known, and what is not.
Reviewed by Jackson on Nov 7, 2026. How we work
Quick answer
President Donald Trump publicly invited UFC president Dana White to become White House press secretary. As of November 7, 2026, White had not confirmed acceptance, and no official appointment had been announced.[1][2]
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In this article
Why it mattersWho Dana White isA relationship of about 25 yearsWhy the job is openWhat we don't know yetWhat changedSourcesKey points
- Trump said on Truth Social that he had offered White the job, and asked him to take it.[1][2]
- White posted a photo of himself at the White House briefing room podium, captioned 'On to the next chapter'. That is not a confirmation.[1][2]
- The press secretary is the government's main spokesperson to reporters, a role separate from the cabinet.[3]
- Katie Zacharia was named to the post in October and left after about five days.[3]
Why it matters
The press secretary speaks for the White House every day. A public offer from the president to a non-politician shows how the administration is trying to fill a visible role, and it raises questions about how sports and politics overlap.[3][4]
Who Dana White is
Dana White is the president and chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the mixed martial arts company. He took over its presidency in 2001, after Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta bought the company.[5][4]
He is a business executive and promoter, not a professional fighter or a career politician.[5]
A relationship of about 25 years
In 2001, Trump's Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City hosted UFC 30 and UFC 31, when few arenas wanted the events. White has described Trump as one of the first businessmen to see the UFC's potential.[4]
White spoke at the Republican conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024. In 2024 he said he had no personal political ambitions.[5][4]
Why the job is open
Karoline Leavitt left the press secretary post at the end of August 2026. Trump named Katie Zacharia in October, but she left after about five days, following her first briefing and a week of controversy.[3]
Whether the offer will become an appointment depends on White, and on the White House, which has not yet said.[2]
What we don't know yet
- Whether Dana White accepts the job. He has not said so.
- Whether he would leave or step back from the UFC. Reports have not said.
- Whether any fighters Trump mentioned would take government roles. No confirmation found.
- When a new press secretary would start, if the offer is accepted.
What changed
- Nov 7, 2026: First draft. Offer details await verification of AP and Reuters.
Sources
- Associated Press: Trump says he offered UFC's Dana White the White House press secretary job (accessed Nov 7, 2026)
- Reuters: Trump offers UFC chief Dana White top communications job (accessed Nov 7, 2026)
- CBS News: Trump's press secretary pick Katie Zacharia leaves after five days (accessed Nov 7, 2026)
- The New Yorker: The New Yorker interview: Dana White thinks everyone's a fighter (accessed Nov 7, 2026)
- Sports Business Journal: UFC's Dana White on political aspirations (accessed Nov 7, 2026)