Trump offers UFC boss White House press secretary job

US President Donald Trump proposed on Saturday that UFC chief Dana White assume the role of White House press secretary. The offer emerged during a period of administrative flux following Republican losses in the midterm elections held Tuesday. White confirmed the proposal and scheduled a meeting with the president for Monday.

Trump posted the offer on social media from his golf club in Florida. The post instructed White to bring several UFC fighters to serve as assistants. Trump characterized the fighters as defenders against political opponents and urged White to accept the position. White did not state clearly whether he intends to take the job.

White addressed reporters from London on Saturday while attending a boxing event. He stated he would fly to Washington following the event. When asked how he would balance White House duties with his combat sports responsibilities, White acknowledged that he already holds multiple jobs. He declined to detail his discussions with Trump and said he would speak more after their Monday meeting.

Before the news conference, White posted an image of Trump's announcement on Instagram. The post included a photo of himself standing at the podium in the White House press briefing room. During the interview, White outlined plans to expand Zuffa Boxing, a venture he runs with Saudi Arabian backing. He also mentioned staging more international events. Neither the White House nor a UFC spokesperson responded to inquiries about the proposal on Saturday.

The offer follows the loss of Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress. Democratic victories in districts previously held by Republicans for decades contributed to the shift. On Friday, Trump announced that Stephen Miller would replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff. Wiles was viewed as a moderating influence, while Miller is a leading figure behind the administration's hard-line immigration policies.

The press secretary position has been vacant since Karoline Leavitt departed at the end of August. Katie Zacharia held the role for five days before departing. She appeared uncomfortable during her single appearance before reporters. White and Trump have attended several UFC events together since January 2025. In June, Trump hosted White on the White House South Lawn for celebrations marking America's 250th year of independence and his 80th birthday.