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Why Trump wants UFC chief Dana White as his new White House press secretary
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Trump has clarified that his suggestion Dana White become White House press secretary was a joke, though the UFC chief is due to meet him on Monday. The exchange has renewed attention on their long-standing alliance, days after Republicans suffered record midterm losses.
White said he already has many jobs and did not confirm taking the role. Both men posted AI-generated images about the idea, including one showing fighters in the briefing room. The press secretary position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left after five days last month; she had succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down in August. White helped buy the UFC for $2m in 2001, and it was sold for $4bn in 2016.
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In short
- Trump says the White press secretary offer was a joke.
- White and Trump are meeting on Monday.
- AI-generated posts fuelled speculation about the role.
How this story developed
- 30 minutes ago Donald Trump has offered UFC chief executive Dana White the role of White House press secretary, and the two are due to meet on Monday.
- 32 minutes ago Trump has clarified that his suggestion Dana White become White House press secretary was a joke, though the UFC chief is due to meet him on Monday. The exchange has renewed attention on their long-standing alliance, days after Republicans suffered record midterm losses.
- Daily Mail Trump says he was 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO Dana White as White House press secretary amid hunt for Karoline Leavitt's replacement
- Fox News Trump says he was ‘only kidding’ about making Dana White press secretary
- New York Post The other Dana White responds to Trump’s surprise White House press secretary announcement
- Al Jazeera Why Trump wants UFC chief Dana White as his new White House press secretary
- GB News Donald Trump says he was 'only kidding' when he offered UFC chief Dana White Press Secretary role
Where outlets differ
Left-leaning outlets 1
Only here: wants
Right-leaning outlets 4
- Trump says he was 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO Dana White as White House press secretary amid hunt for Karoline Leavitt's replacementDaily Mail
- Trump says he was ‘only kidding’ about making Dana White press secretaryFox News
- The other Dana White responds to Trump’s surprise White House press secretary announcementNew York Post
- Donald Trump says he was 'only kidding' when he offered UFC chief Dana White Press Secretary roleGB News
Only here: kidding, naming, hunt, karoline, leavitt
Every side used: trump, chief, dana, white, house, press
Headline columns compared word for word; nothing in them is AI-written.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that White’s success building a high-profile business and his longstanding relationship with Trump make him a persuasive communicator who can attract attention beyond traditional political circles. After major midterm losses and repeated turnover in the press secretary role, bringing in a trusted, experienced public figure could help the White House reset its messaging and reach voters more effectively.
The case against
Critics could argue that running a sports business does not establish the experience or independence needed to explain government policy, answer difficult questions and maintain public trust. White’s close political ties and campaign donation may also deepen concerns that the role would prioritise loyalty and publicity over candid communication, while his existing commitments could make it harder to take on the job fully.
Explained simply
The White House press secretary is the president’s chief spokesperson, explaining the administration’s policies and handling questions from journalists. The job requires regular briefings and close coordination with the president, so the person in the role can shape how the administration communicates with the public.
Dana White is the longtime head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a major mixed martial arts organisation. He has known Donald Trump for years, and the two have publicly supported each other; Trump has also attended UFC events.
Their relationship draws attention because White is a prominent figure in sport and entertainment, rather than a traditional political spokesperson. The role matters as a link between the president, journalists and the public, particularly when the administration is under political pressure.
Coverage · 5 sources
Bias meters
From 5 rated sources.
- Al JazeeraLeftWhy Trump wants UFC chief Dana White as his new White House press secretary
- Daily MailRightTrump says he was 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO Dana White as White House press secretary amid hunt for Karoline Leavitt's replacement
- Fox NewsRightTrump says he was ‘only kidding’ about making Dana White press secretary
- New York PostRightThe other Dana White responds to Trump’s surprise White House press secretary announcement
- GB NewsRightDonald Trump says he was 'only kidding' when he offered UFC chief Dana White Press Secretary role