Dana White Meets Trump After Press Secretary Offer
The UFC chief travels to Washington on Monday following a social media post from the President.
By Harper Foster ·
The White House press secretary role has become a subject of speculation after President Donald Trump extended an offer to UFC CEO Dana White on Saturday. White confirmed on Saturday that he will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with the President on Monday, though he provided no additional details about the agenda.
Trump announced the offer via social media, describing White as a violent Fighter and Warrior. The post listed several current and former UFC athletes whom the President hoped would join White as assistants. These individuals include Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harrison. Trump noted that some of these athletes are not from the United States.
White, 57, responded to the news by posting an AI-generated meme on his Instagram stories with the caption On to the next chapter. During a press conference in London following Zuffa Boxing 12, White acknowledged the upcoming meeting. He joked that he already has many jobs and stated, I'm sure we'll have something to talk about after [the meeting].
The potential appointment would replace Katie Zacharia, who was dismissed after serving five days as press secretary in October. Karoline Leavitt held the position before Zacharia and stepped down in August to focus on family. White has led the UFC since 2001, after his business partners purchased the promotion. He also serves as the face of Zuffa Boxing and Power Slap under the TKO Group Holdings banner.
The relationship between White and Trump dates back to 2001, when Trump hosted White's debut event as UFC president at the Trump Taj Mahal casino. The two have maintained a friendship since that time. In 2018, Trump hosted White and UFC champion Colby Covington at the White House during his first term. Trump has since become a regular guest at UFC events while serving as president.
In June, Trump hosted the UFC Freedom 250 event on the south lawn of the White House, an event that marked a first for the organization. White has supported Trump's election campaigns, giving speeches at the Republican National Convention ahead of the 2016, 2020, and 2024 cycles.
