'Only kidding': Trump over Dana White press secretary offer

• The walk-back followed a Truth Social post suggesting White and UFC fighters face the press, prompting White to post a mock podium photo
• White confirmed he is still traveling to Washington for a Monday meeting with Trump on unrelated business
• Position remains vacant following Katie Zacharia's abrupt exit, alongside Susie Wiles' departure and Stephen Miller's appointment as chief of staff

US President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that he was 'joking' when he publicly offered the position of White House press secretary to Dana White, the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), closing out more than 24 hours of speculation over the offer.

“I will tell you, I was only kidding, but Dana loves the idea, and there’s only one Dana. He’s great,” Trump told reporters Sunday evening on the tarmac in Palm Beach, Florida.

The clarification followed a surprise announcement posted Saturday on Truth Social, where Trump wrote that he had extended the role to White.

The press secretary position has sat empty since Katie Zacharia stepped down last month after serving just five days on the job.

“I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States,” Trump wrote on Saturday.

In the same post, Trump suggested White recruit several high-profile UFC fighters -including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, and Amanda Nunes- as assistants to fend off what he termed the “Lunatic Left.”

“Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!” Trump added.

Social media reaction

When the Truth Social message first appeared, it remained unclear whether the proposal was genuine. Shortly afterward, White took to Instagram to share what appeared to be an AI-generated image depicting him standing behind the lectern in the White House briefing room.

Accompanied by the caption: “On to the next chapter.” White also posted a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social announcement to his Instagram Story.

Speaking at a boxing event in London on Saturday evening, White stated that he was flying to Washington that night and had an appointment scheduled with Trump on Monday.

Trump confirmed to reporters on Sunday night that Monday's meeting would still take place, while emphasizing it has nothing to do with the administration's spokesperson vacancy.

“So he’s actually coming tomorrow,” Trump said. “Of course, I was kidding. ... But Dana is actually coming tomorrow, actually, for other reasons. I think he was going to be in Washington, so he’s going to come over and see me.”

Trump and White share a longstanding friendship, with Trump regularly attending UFC bouts throughout his presidency.

Earlier this year, White organized a UFC fight hosted directly on the South Lawn of the White House as part of a series of events commemorating the United States’ 250th birthday, an event attended in July by numerous Republican lawmakers and Trump administration officials.

A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Turnover in White House staff

Zacharia had originally taken over the press secretary post from Karoline Leavitt, who served as White House press secretary since Trump re-entered office in January of last year. Leavitt announced her departure in August, citing a desire to dedicate more time to her family.

The developments follow broader turnover within the West Wing.

On Friday, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced her resignation, after which Trump appointed longtime aide Stephen Miller to take over the position.

Wiles' exit marks the seventh woman to depart the Trump administration this year. To date, all departed women have been replaced by men, with the exception of the press secretary role previously held by Zacharia and Leavitt, where a successor has yet to be formally appointed.