Donald Trump revealed that his public offer to appoint UFC boss Dana White as White House press secretary was merely a joke, bringing an end to days of speculation in Washington following multiple departures in the communications office.
- Schedule Adjustments: White’s upcoming travel to Washington proceeds on schedule for Monday, though boerse.de reported the visit is taking place “aus anderen Gründen” (for other reasons).
The suggestion that Ultimate Fighting Championship chief Dana White could step into the briefing room caused immediate confusion across the capital over the weekend. boerse.de reported that the announcement left observers wondering whether the Republican leader was speaking seriously or simply joking.
The position has remained vacant for weeks following a tumultuous period in the West Wing press office. Karoline Leavitt stepped down from her role as press secretary in August.
Her appointed successor, Katie Zacharia, lasted merely days in October before resigning. Zacharia’s tenure ended abruptly following a brief, hesitant press conference and a subsequent television interview that drew widespread public mockery and sharp criticism.
As speculation mounted, CNN reported that White had ultimately turned down the theoretical post. Meanwhile, the combat sports executive was traveling abroad in London, where he confirmed to international reporters that he still planned to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday.
Trump addressed the mounting confusion directly when speaking to journalists regarding the vacancy. That was an example of me just joking – and people then said, you know, that’s actually a pretty good idea,
Trump stated, according to boerse.de.
| Role / Position | Status as of November 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White House Press Secretary | Unfilled | Vacant following brief tenures by Karoline Leavitt and Katie Zacharia. |
| UFC Executive Leadership | Active | Led by long-time Trump supporter Dana White. |
| Scheduled Meeting | Confirmed for Monday | White to visit the White House for alternative matters, per boerse.de. |
Dana White has long maintained a close personal and professional relationship with Donald Trump, actively campaigning for him during recent election cycles. Under White’s direction, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has grown into a multibillion-dollar enterprise defined by high-profile cage fighting events.
Trump has frequently attended live UFC fight cards. boerse.de noted that controversy surrounded a previous celebration for Trump’s 80th birthday, which featured professional fighters competing inside a temporary cage erected directly on the lawn of the White House.
While the prospect of a sports promoter stepping behind the podium is now off the table as a serious staffing move, Monday’s scheduled meeting at the White House will proceed. Both outlets confirmed that White's upcoming discussions with the President will not involve the administration's search for a permanent press secretary.
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