Trump nominates UFC boss for White House press secretary role

Donald Trump has named Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as his proposed choice for the White House press secretary.

In a post on Truth Social, the president described White as a violent fighter and warrior. He urged White to accept the position and suggested that fighters Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje could serve as assistants. Trump framed the team as a defense against political opponents.

The vacancy has persisted since Katie Zacharia departed last month. She served only five days before leaving the role. Her first appearance drew substantial criticism. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, stepped down to spend more time with her family and was widely regarded as a capable spokesperson.

CNN reported that White had turned down the job. However, while attending a boxing event in London, White said he would meet Trump at the White House on Monday. White continues to run the UFC and is developing the boxing company Zuffa. It remains unclear how he would accommodate the demands of the White House role.

US political analyst Calvin Dark suggested the unusual choice might amount to trolling. Dark said Trump could have floated the idea on a Saturday afternoon to attract headlines. This would allow White to decline politely. The comments reflected uncertainty over the intent behind the offer.

The relationship between the UFC and the administration extends beyond their friendship. The organization staged a major event on the White House lawn in June. White has previously appeared as a speaker at Trump rallies. Steven Cheung, the former public affairs chief of the UFC, now serves as Trump's communications director.

The proposal follows a personnel change after Trump's midterm election defeat this week. Influential adviser Stephen Miller has replaced Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff.