Dana White turns down Trump’s offer to be press secretary
UFC CEO Dana White has turned down an offer to take over as White House press secretary in President Donald Trump’s administration. A source familiar with the matter told CNN. However, a White House official said Mr. Trump’s proposal was a joke.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday (November 7), Mr. Trump announced that he would offer Dana White to become press secretary. There, he referred to the UFC chief as a “fighter”.
“I am pleased to announce that Dana White has been offered the position of press secretary of the United States of America. He is a fighter.”
Mr. Trump also suggested having six UFC fighters as assistants. He also attached their photos to the post. “We need these people to protect us from the crazy left,” Trump wrote. Dana will be a different kind of press secretary. Dana, please take the responsibility!’
However, a White House official said Mr. Trump’s proposal was a joke. On the other hand, Dana White did not comment directly when asked about this at a press conference at a boxing event in London on Saturday. He said he plans to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
The post of White House press secretary has been vacant for quite some time. Katie Zakaria replaced Caroline Levitt in August. However, he left the post in October last year after serving only five days. Trump is then working on appointing a new press secretary.
Democrats took control of Congress after the Republicans’ defeat in the midterm elections. In the meantime, Democrats have announced various investigations against the Trump administration. As a result, it has become important to appoint a new person in charge of the White House’s communications and media management.
Dana White has a long-standing relationship with Trump. The UFC chief has spoken at several national conventions of the Republican Party. Their relationship has grown closer since they supported Trump in the 2016 election. He also played a role in Trump’s political campaign.
Earlier this year, speaking about Dana White’s political role, Trump said White had introduced him to young people he didn’t know before. Many of them are popular content creators and influencers on social media.
Meanwhile, CNN has contacted the White House and the UFC for details about Dana White’s rejection of the offer. However, no official statement has been received from any party at the time of publication of the report.
Sources: CNN, Reuters
