Dana White dodges White House press gig after Trump admits the offer was a joke

Donald Trump stated on Sunday night that his offer of the White House press secretary position to Dana White was a joke. The remarks ended a day of speculation regarding the status of the role after the president initially announced the appointment on social media.

Trump spoke to reporters on a tarmac in Palm Beach, Florida. He said, "I will tell you something: I was just joking, but Dana loves the idea, and there is only one Dana, he is fantastic." The comment followed a post on Truth Social the previous day in which Trump claimed he had extended the offer.

The press secretary seat has been empty since Katie Zacharia departed the position last month. She held the role for five days. Zacharia had replaced Karoline Leavitt, who served from January of the previous year until her resignation in August to spend more time with her family.

On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "It is my pleasure to announce that to great Dana White, a fierce fighter and warrior, has been offered the position of United States Press Secretary." He suggested White should bring UFC fighters Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, and Amanda Nunes as assistants to defend against the "crazy left." The post concluded with, "Dana will be a press secretary like no other. Dana, please accept the job!"

White responded to the news during a boxing event in London on Saturday night. He said he would travel to Washington that evening and had a meeting scheduled with Trump for Monday. White shared an image on Instagram that appeared to be generated by artificial intelligence. The picture showed him behind the White House podium with the caption "Here comes the next chapter." He also shared a screenshot of Trump's message on his stories.

Trump confirmed on Sunday that the meeting with White was still on for Monday. He clarified that the visit was not related to the press secretary role. "Actually, he is coming tomorrow," Trump said. "Of course I was joking.. But Dana is indeed coming tomorrow for other reasons. I think he was already going to be in Washington, so he will come by to see me."

The two have maintained a friendship for years. Trump has attended numerous UFC fights during his time in office. In July, White hosted a UFC event in the South Lawn of the White House for the 250th anniversary of the United States. Many government officials and Republican lawmakers attended that event.

The announcement occurred amid broader personnel changes at the White House. On Friday, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced her departure. Trump named Stephen Miller, a longtime aide, as her replacement. Wiles became the seventh woman to leave the administration this year. All previous departures were replaced by men, except for the roles of Leavitt and Zacharia, for which a permanent successor has not yet been named.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the status of the press secretary vacancy or the Monday meeting.