UFC Chief Declines Trump’s White House Job Offer

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s offer to become the White House press secretary, describing politics as an area he has no interest in pursuing.

White joined Trump at a press conference in the James Brady Briefing Room on Monday, where the president publicly asked him whether he would consider taking up the position.

Trump had announced on social media on Saturday that he had offered the role to White.  However, the president later clarified that he was “only kidding.”

During Monday’s appearance, Trump asked the 57-year-old UFC boss whether he preferred becoming the country’s press secretary or continuing to lead the mixed martial arts organisation.

White thanked the president for the offer but made it clear that he had no intention of entering politics.

“So let me ask you the big question. Would you like to be press secretary of the United States of America? Or do you just want to stay with this ridiculous UFC? Huh?” Trump said.

“Thank you for the offer, sir — for the offer, I have no, no — I do not want to be in politics,” White replied.

“I am devastated to hear this. Goodbye, everybody,” Trump said. 

The position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left on October 16, less than a week after taking up the role. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, departed in August after serving for about 18 months.

Trump‘s initial announcement about White had generated speculation that he was considering a more combative communications approach following the Republican Party’s heavy losses in the midterm elections.

White has a longstanding friendship with Trump and helped organise a major UFC event on the White House lawn earlier this year.

However, questions had emerged over whether the president was serious about appointing him, particularly after Trump said on Sunday night that the offer was a joke.

Introducing White at Monday’s briefing, Trump acknowledged that he had been joking about the proposed appointment, describing the exchange as a bit of fun.

“He’s a great guy,” Trump told the room full of reporters. “The only problem is he’ll talk for a little while and then he’s going to beat the hell out of you.”

White, who appeared at the lectern in a black T-shirt and jacket, joked that he had always wanted to address the White House press corps before making clear that he had no political ambitions.

He also described the previous 24 hours as overwhelming following Trump’s announcement.

When a reporter asked whether he had formally rejected the position, White explained that he had been careful not to respond publicly before the president clarified his comments, adding that he did not want to appear disrespectful.

Trump subsequently continued the briefing, answering questions on major issues, including the wars in Iran and Ukraine, possible impeachment proceedings against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and a spying controversy involving Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang.