Trump says Dana White press secretary post was a joke

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his offer of the White House press secretary job to UFC boss Dana White was a joke. He made the initial suggestion on Saturday via Truth Social, calling White a fighter and warrior. Trump proposed that White bring top UFC champions to help defend the administration against what he called the Lunatic Left.

The clarification came after an AI-generated cartoon video accompanied the original post. The animation showed White standing at the briefing podium while fighters physically attacked reporters. Trump told reporters on Sunday that White liked the idea and that the humor should have been obvious from the video.

Social media users quickly debated whether Trump confused the UFC executive with Dana W. White. Dana W. White served as a chief spokesperson for the Pentagon during Trump's first term. Her background in government communications matched the traditional requirements of the press secretary role better than the sports executive's profile.

Dana W. White addressed the rumors directly on LinkedIn. She thanked people who sent congratulations but stated they had the wrong Dana White. She noted that while she had answered questions at a podium in the past, she had never entered a UFC octagon and planned to keep it that way. No evidence has emerged to support the claim that the President mixed up the two individuals.

The White House communications team amplified the initial announcement. Steven Cheung, the President's communications director, reposted the news on X with the caption Hell yeah, do it Dana White. This support from the administration's media team added to the public confusion about the proposal's serious nature.

The press secretary position has been vacant since October 16. Katie Zacharia left the role after fewer than five days. Her brief tenure drew scrutiny following a difficult first briefing and questions about her legal credentials. The department is still searching for a permanent replacement.

UFC's Dana White has known the President for decades. Trump hosted UFC events at his properties as early as 2001. White has publicly backed the President's campaigns and attended his political events. The two are planning a UFC event on the White House lawn to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.