President Trump invited UFC Executive Dana White to serve as White House Press Secretary on the 7th, following midterm election losses. Trump requested White bring six UFC fighters as assistants, stating 'We need these people to protect us against the crazy left.' White declined the invitation according to sources cited by CNN, but indicated on Saturday he plans to meet with Trump at the White House on the 9th for further discussion. The White House Press Secretary position has remained vacant since Katie Zacharia's tenure ended last month after serving less than a week.
Trump Invites UFC CEO Dana White as White House Press Secretary
Trump announced the invitation on Truth Social, describing White as a 'violent fighter and warrior.' The invitation included six current or former UFC champions: Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov from Russia's Dagestan Republic, American fighters Justin Gaethje and Daniel Cormier, Kayla Harrison (whom Trump may have referred to as 'Kayla Harris'), and Brazilian-born Amanda Nunes who obtained U.S. citizenship last year. Trump wrote, 'We need these people to protect us against the crazy left.'
White has not immediately responded to Reuters' requests for comment, nor has TKO Group Holdings, UFC's parent company. However, according to a press conference video on X platform, White stated he will fly to Washington and meet with Trump on the 9th for further discussion.
Trump and White's Relationship Spans Two Decades
White and Trump began collaborating in the early 2000s when Trump's Taj Mahal Casino hosted multiple UFC events. Their relationship intensified during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign when White publicly endorsed him. In recent years, Trump has personally attended numerous UFC events. In June, the White House hosted a UFC Fight Night as part of America's 250th Independence anniversary celebrations.
The White House Communications Office currently employs a former UFC spokesperson, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, who worked under White's organization from 2013 to 2016.
White House Press Secretary Position Vacant Since Last Month
The White House Press Secretary position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia's tenure ended last month. Zacharia resigned after serving less than a week in the role. She had replaced Leavitt, who departed at the end of August.
FAQ
Who did Trump invite to be White House Press Secretary?
Trump invited Dana White, UFC Executive and CEO, to serve as White House Press Secretary on the 7th following midterm election losses. Trump also requested White bring six UFC fighters as assistants.
What was Dana White's response to Trump's invitation?
White declined the invitation according to sources cited by CNN. However, White stated on Saturday that he plans to meet with Trump at the White House on the 9th for further discussion.
How long has the White House Press Secretary position been vacant?
The position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia's tenure ended last month. Zacharia served less than a week before resigning, having replaced Leavitt who left at the end of August.
