WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — UFC President Dana White has spent decades answering difficult questions from reporters, defending controversial decisions and promoting some of the biggest fights in combat sports.
Now, he could potentially find himself answering questions on an entirely different stage. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he had offered White the position of White House press secretary, an unexpected development that could bring one of mixed martial arts’ most recognizable executives into the center of American politics.
Trump revealed the offer through a post on Truth Social, describing White as a longtime friend and encouraging him to accept the position. The president also suggested that White bring several UFC fighters with him to serve as assistants.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left,” Trump wrote. “Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
White has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to accept the position. However, speaking to reporters following a UFC event in London on Saturday, White acknowledged that he plans to meet with Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
“I’m going to meet with Trump,” White said. “We have a meeting on Monday, so I’m sure I’ll have more to talk about after that.”
Dana White Teases a New Chapter
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, White added to the speculation through his own social media activity. The UFC executive shared an image of the president’s Truth Social post on Instagram, along with a photograph of himself standing behind the lectern inside the White House press briefing room.
The image included the words “On to the next chapter.” The post immediately raised questions about whether White was seriously considering leaving his longtime role with the UFC to join the Trump administration.
However, the social media activity stopped short of confirming that he had accepted the offer. CNN reported Saturday, citing a source familiar with the situation, that White was not planning to take the position. White did not directly address that report during his postfight comments, leaving his intentions unclear ahead of Monday’s meeting.
Trump and White Share a Longstanding Friendship
White’s relationship with Trump extends well beyond the current political moment. The two have maintained a close friendship for years, with Trump frequently attending UFC events and publicly supporting the organization.
White has also been a prominent supporter of Trump, speaking at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Their relationship has become one of the more visible connections between professional sports and presidential politics.
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has continued making appearances at UFC events alongside White. Their partnership reached another milestone in June when the UFC staged an event on the White House’s South Lawn as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 80th birthday.
A specially constructed Octagon was installed near the executive mansion, surrounded by elaborate lighting, sound equipment and large video screens. The unprecedented event brought professional mixed martial arts directly to the White House grounds.
“It was an amazing experience; this was a one-of-one,” White said afterward.
That relationship helps explain why Trump would consider White for such a prominent administration position. But transitioning from leading the world’s most recognizable MMA promotion to serving as the president’s chief spokesperson would represent a dramatic career change.
White House Shake-Up Creates Unexpected Opportunity
Trump’s offer comes during a period of significant changes within his administration. Following major Republican losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections, the president has begun reshaping his senior leadership team.
On Friday, Trump announced that longtime adviser Susie Wiles would be replaced as White House chief of staff by Stephen Miller, a senior aide closely associated with the administration’s immigration policies.
The White House has also experienced instability in its press secretary position. Karoline Leavitt departed the role at the end of August, leaving the administration without a permanent chief spokesperson.
Katie Zacharia subsequently served a brief five-day stint before departing after a single appearance before reporters. Trump’s interest in White comes as the administration searches for someone capable of taking on one of the most demanding public-facing positions in Washington.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for clarification about Trump’s announcement.
What Would White’s Departure Mean for the UFC?
White has been one of the central figures behind the UFC’s transformation into a global sports powerhouse. His leadership, promotional instincts and willingness to embrace controversy have played major roles in the organization’s growth.
Over the years, White has become nearly synonymous with the UFC brand. A decision to leave the promotion for a position in the Trump administration would therefore represent a significant development for mixed martial arts.
It could also create uncertainty surrounding the organization’s executive leadership and future direction. However, there is currently no confirmation that White intends to step away from his UFC responsibilities. Until he publicly addresses his plans, any discussion of a potential departure remains speculative.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
