President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he had offered UFC CEO Dana White the role of White House press secretary, but White has reportedly turned down the position.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, declaring he was pleased to offer the job to White. The post included photographs of six UFC competitors whom Trump suggested White could bring along as assistants.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left,” Trump wrote. “Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
White House communications director Steven Cheung amplified the announcement by reposting it with an enthusiastic endorsement: “[ ] yeah! Do it, @DanaWhite!”
However, a source stated that White has declined the offer. The position would have required a significant financial sacrifice for White, who reportedly earns $20 million annually as UFC president and CEO. The press secretary role pays $195,200.
When questioned about the announcement at a Saturday evening press conference in London following a boxing card, White did not directly address whether he had received or declined the offer. Instead, he confirmed plans to meet with the president.
“I’m flying to Washington DC right now,” White said. “I have a meeting on Monday. I’m flying to DC right now and I’m sure we’ll have something to talk about after that.”
According to sources, the ambiguity surrounding the offer deepened when one White House aide suggested Trump may have been joking.
Trump’s search for a press secretary has proven challenging. The position became vacant after a series of rapid departures. Karoline Leavitt served in the role for approximately eighteen months before leaving in August, citing a desire to spend more time with her young family. She later joined Fox News as a contributor in October.
Katie Zacharia followed Leavitt but was dismissed after just five days, making her tenure the shortest in the position’s history. Her single briefing was reportedly problematic, leading to her swift removal.
The press secretary role has taken on heightened significance following the November midterm elections, in which Democrats secured majorities in both the House and Senate. The shift in congressional control has enabled Democrats to launch investigations into Trump’s administration, making effective communication strategy increasingly important for the White House.
White has maintained a close relationship with Trump for years, serving as one of his most visible supporters. He has spoken at the last three Republican National Conventions and played a notable role in connecting Trump with younger male voters during the 2024 election campaign.
Trump previously praised White’s ability to introduce him to younger audiences and influencers. “He introduced me to people I never heard of, young kids,” Trump said earlier in 2026. “I mean, I was being interviewed by 20-year-old kids. I’m saying, ‘Where did you meet these people?’ They’re called influencers.”
In June 2026, Trump hosted a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, an effort designed to appeal to younger male voters. Despite these initiatives, polling data suggests that demographic has since shifted toward Democrats ahead of the November 3 midterms.
Trump also faces criticism from some influential figures who helped broaden his reach in 2024, including podcaster Joe Rogan.
