US President Donald Trump has publicly invited Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief Dana White to step into the role of White House press secretary, using his Truth Social platform to make the unusual appeal. In the post, Trump praised White as someone who would perform unlike any predecessor, writing: "Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other," before adding a direct plea: "Dana, please take the job!"
The invitation has drawn widespread attention, not least because the two men have maintained a close friendship stretching back years. White, a prominent figure in combat sports, has frequently appeared alongside Trump at major events and political gatherings, making the prospect of his move into government communications a notable development.
Position Has Remained Vacant
The press secretary post has been unfilled since mid-October, when Katie Zacharia departed after only a matter of days in the job. The rapid turnover left the administration without a permanent voice at the briefing podium, and the vacancy has persisted since then.
Media outlets, including the BBC, have reached out to both the White House and TKO Holdings, the parent company of UFC, seeking comment on whether White has been formally approached or has any interest in accepting the position. Neither party had responded publicly at the time of reporting.
Political Backdrop Adds Weight
The timing of Trump's social media post is significant. It came shortly after Republican candidates suffered heavy losses in the US midterm elections, surrendering their congressional majorities. That outcome has prompted reflection within the party and raised questions about the administration's messaging strategy going forward.
Bringing in a high-profile figure from the sports and entertainment world could be seen as an attempt to reshape how the White House communicates with the public and the press. White is known for his blunt, direct style and his experience managing a global sports brand, qualities that supporters might view as assets in a press briefing room.
However, the move would also represent a departure from tradition, as the role has typically been filled by experienced political communicators. Whether White would seriously consider leaving his position at UFC, a company he has led for many years, remains an open question.
For now, the president's post stands as a public invitation rather than a confirmed appointment, and the White House press secretary's office continues to operate without a permanent occupant.
