US President Donald Trump has offered Dana White, the head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the role of White House press secretary, a position that has been vacant since the abrupt departure of Katie Zacharia. The announcement, made on Trump's Truth Social platform on Saturday, underscores the president's willingness to draw on allies from outside the political establishment.
"I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States," Trump wrote, adding that White would be a press secretary "like none other." He concluded with a direct appeal: "Dana, please take the job!"
White, speaking to reporters in London on Saturday evening, did not confirm his acceptance but indicated he was taking the offer seriously. "I'm flying to Washington right now," he said, and noted that he would meet with Trump on Monday. "I'm sure we'll have more to talk about after that," he added, while acknowledging that he already had "a lot of jobs."
The UFC president had earlier posted an image on his Instagram story showing him standing behind the White House press briefing lectern, with the caption "On to the next chapter." That post fueled speculation that he might accept the role, which would place him at the center of US political communication.
A relationship built on mutual support
Trump and White have cultivated a close relationship over the years. Trump has been a regular presence at UFC events, and White has spoken at several of Trump's rallies, including an event on the eve of the inauguration in January 2025. Their alliance reflects a broader convergence of sports, entertainment, and politics in the United States, a trend that has also drawn attention in Europe, where political figures occasionally court celebrities to bolster their appeal.
The offer comes at a time when the White House is navigating a turbulent period. The previous press secretary, Katie Zacharia, resigned after less than five days in the job following a difficult first briefing. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, a favorite of the president, had stepped down in August to focus on her family. Trump has called Leavitt one of his "most trusted aides" and said she would continue to serve as an outside advisor.
White's potential appointment would mark a significant departure from traditional press secretary roles, which are typically filled by communications professionals or political operatives. His background as a sports executive and promoter could bring a different style to the briefing room, one that might appeal to Trump's base but could also raise questions about the seriousness of the position.
European observers may watch this development with interest, as it reflects the ongoing evolution of US political communication under Trump. The role of press secretary is crucial for international media, as it shapes the narrative coming out of Washington on issues ranging from trade to security. A UFC boss in that role could signal a more confrontational and entertainment-driven approach to government messaging.
White has not yet publicly commented on whether he will accept the offer, but his immediate travel plans suggest he is at least exploring the possibility. If he takes the job, he would join a team that has already seen significant turnover, and his tenure would be closely scrutinized both domestically and abroad.
For now, the ball is in White's court. As he prepares to meet with Trump on Monday, the question remains whether he will trade the octagon for the podium. The answer could have implications not only for US politics but also for how the world perceives the Trump administration's communication strategy.
