Dana White press secretary — President Donald Trump has extended an offer to UFC President and CEO Dana White to become the next White House press secretary, a move that would place a prominent sports executive in one of the most visible roles in government communications. The offer follows the ouster of Katie Zacharia from the position in October, leaving the administration without a permanent press secretary.
Trump announced the offer on Truth Social on Saturday, describing White as “the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior.” The president also requested that White bring along a group of assistants, specifically naming several UFC fighters, to help defend against what he called the “Lunatic Left.”
Fighters Named as Potential Assistants
In his post, Trump listed Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris as the assistants he would like White to bring with him. The president acknowledged that some of these individuals are not from the United States, but he argued that their presence would be valuable in countering political opposition.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left,” Trump wrote, emphasizing a combative approach to the press secretary role. He added that White would be “a Press Secretary like none other” and concluded with a direct appeal: “Dana, please take the job!”
The named fighters represent a cross-section of UFC talent, including current and former champions. Makhachev and Nurmagomedov are both from Russia and have been prominent figures in the lightweight division. Gaethje and Cormier are American fighters with high profiles in the sport. Nunes, a Brazilian-American, is a former champion in multiple weight classes, while Harris is an American fighter known for her advocacy.
White's Background and the Vacancy
Dana White has led the UFC as president and CEO, overseeing its growth into a global mixed martial arts powerhouse. His tenure has been marked by a no-nonsense approach to media and public relations, often characterized by direct and forceful communication. That style appears to be what Trump is seeking for the press secretary position, which has been vacant since Zacharia’s departure in October.
The press secretary role involves daily briefings with reporters and serving as the public face of the administration’s messaging. Trump’s request for White to bring fighters as assistants is highly unusual, as press secretary staff typically consist of communications professionals rather than athletes. The president’s post did not specify what roles the fighters would play or whether they would be formally employed by the White House.
White has not publicly responded to the offer. It remains unclear whether he would accept the position or whether the fighters named would be available or willing to join him. The UFC has not issued a statement on the matter.
Political and Media Reaction
The announcement drew immediate attention due to its unconventional nature. Trump’s use of Truth Social to make the offer, rather than a formal White House statement, is consistent with his approach to communicating directly with supporters. The reference to the “Lunatic Left” echoes his frequent criticism of political opponents and the media.
The offer to White comes at a time when the administration is seeking to reshape its communications strategy. Zacharia’s ouster in October left a void that Trump appears eager to fill with a high-profile figure from the sports world. Whether White would bring the same confrontational style to the briefing room as he has to UFC events is an open question.
For now, the ball is in White’s court. Trump’s public appeal suggests he is serious about the offer, but the decision rests with the UFC executive. If White accepts, he would become one of the most unconventional press secretaries in recent memory, with a supporting cast drawn from the ranks of professional fighting.
