Trump told reporters that he had not been serious when he announced on Truth Social over the weekend that White, 57, had been offered the high profile communications role. The post had sparked a wave of speculation online, with social media users also wondering whether he had meant a different person with the same name.
The weekend post that started it
In his Saturday post, Trump described White as a violent fighter and warrior and urged his longtime ally to accept the job. He wrote, "Dana, please take the job!" and suggested that White bring along several current and former UFC champions as assistants. He added, "We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other." The post was accompanied by an AI generated image of White standing behind the White House press podium. Trump also shared photographs of six UFC fighters, presenting them as potential members of White's communications team. The unusual announcement drew wide attention because the press secretary post is one of the most visible jobs in the White House.
Why the post was vacant
The White House spokesperson post has remained vacant since Trump fired Katie Zacharia in October over a disastrous first press briefing. Zacharia had taken over only five days earlier, following the departure of Karoline Leavitt in August. Leavitt had served as Trump's chief spokesperson for 19 months and stepped down to spend more time with her two young children. The vacancy left the administration without a regular face at the podium, which is part of why the suggestion of an unconventional appointment drew so much notice. Trump said White loves the idea but maintained that he had not been serious about it, describing the suggestion as just a little fun.
The two Dana Whites mix-up
Adding another twist, an online theory suggested that Trump may have confused the UFC boss with another person of the same name. Social media users speculated that he could have intended to nominate Dana W White, a woman who previously served as the Pentagon's chief spokesperson and communications policy lead. Dana W White responded to the speculation in a LinkedIn post, thanking people for their congratulations but clarifying that they had the wrong Dana White. She wrote, "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." There is no confirmation that Trump actually confused the two individuals.
Trump and White's long association
White has been a close Trump ally for years and has led the UFC for more than two decades. He played a prominent role in mobilising support for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and has frequently appeared alongside him at political events. Their association has extended beyond politics, with White helping bring UFC fights to the White House lawn this year. A source familiar with the matter said White had declined the unorthodox proposal, and a White House aide said Trump was joking about the offer. Trump also said that White would visit him at the White House on Monday, but clarified that the meeting had been planned for other reasons and was not connected to the press secretary position.
