Dana White says he will meet Trump after public press secretary offer

UFC chief executive Dana White says he will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday after Trump publicly asked him to become White House press secretary. BBC News reported that White confirmed the planned meeting at a news conference following Saturday's boxing event at London's Copper Box Arena, without saying whether he wanted the position.

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Trump made the proposal in a Truth Social post on Saturday, urging White to accept the job and suggesting that several prominent UFC fighters accompany him. The BBC said it was unclear how seriously the public offer should be taken. The press secretary position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left in mid-October, less than five days after taking it up.

White subsequently posted an Instagram photograph showing him at the lectern in the White House briefing room, accompanied by a message about a new chapter. The BBC noted that the post could have been humorous. White House communications director Steven Cheung publicly encouraged him to take the role, but those social media exchanges did not establish that an appointment had been agreed.

Speaking after the Chris Billam-Smith-Chev Clarke fight, White said he was flying to Washington for the meeting and stressed that he already had several jobs. He indicated there might be more to discuss afterwards, while declining to clarify his interest. The BBC also cited CNN's reporting that a source familiar with the matter said White had rejected the idea. That account leaves his public confirmation of a meeting distinct from any acceptance of a job.

White's existing commitments span several sports and business ventures. Alongside UFC, he leads Power Slap and has launched boxing promotion Zuffa Boxing. He was also named to Meta's board last year. His appearance at the Copper Box came as part of his involvement in boxing, with the British cruiserweights meeting in a non-title contest on Saturday night.

The relationship between White and Trump predates their recent political appearances. White credits Trump with supporting UFC when major arenas were reluctant to host it, staging two events at his Atlantic City casino in 2001. White later spoke at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024 and joined Trump on stage for his 2024 election victory speech. UFC also held an event on the White House lawn this summer, according to the BBC.