“We need these people to protect us from the raving left,” Donald Trump said, proposing UFC executive Dana White for the role of White House press secretary and asking him to bring UFC champions to the press office.
Dana White has declined the White House press secretary position offered by United States President Donald Trump, according to internal sources cited by CNN on November 8, 2026. The UFC chief sidestepped questions from reporters while attending a boxing event in London, telling the BBC that he already has too much on his plate.
The unusual proposal came to light on November 7 when Trump posted on Truth Social, praising White as a rough and violent fighter and warrior. Trump added a request for White to bring prominent UFC champions like Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov into the White House press office as aides.
Whether Trump’s proposal was entirely serious remains unconfirmed, though the press secretary position is currently vacant following a series of departures and firings. American media outlets have interpreted the announcement as a political show designed to project a hardline stance against Democrats after midterm election setbacks.
White has maintained a close relationship with Trump for years, frequently appearing alongside him at major UFC events. The executive played a central role in organizing a White House mixed martial arts event scheduled for June 14 to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
| Figure / Event | Role | Key Action / Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dana White | UFC Chief | Declined position, citing heavy workload, ahead of Nov 9 meeting |
| Islam Makhachev & Khabib Nurmagomedov | UFC Champions | Suggested by Trump for press office roles |
White planned to travel to Washington, D.C., on November 9 to meet directly with Trump, leaving the immediate future of the White House communications team unresolved.
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Earlier coverage: Donald Trump Offers UFC CEO Dana White House Press Secretary Job
