UFC CEO Dana White Declines Political Role, Trump Clarifies 'Kidding' About Press Secretary Offer

UFC CEO Dana White has definitively stated he has "zero political aspirations," effectively ending speculation that he might be considered for the role of US President Donald Trump’s next press secretary. White conveyed his stance during an impromptu press conference held at the White House briefing room on Monday.

The exchange began when Trump directly asked White, "Dana, would you like to be press secretary of the United States of America?" Trump then gestured to the surroundings, asking, "Look at the sign. You'd have this behind you all the time. The White House, Washington. Would you like that, or do you just want to stay with this ridiculous UFC?"

White responded, "Thank you for the offer, sir. I do not want to be in politics. No." Trump, in jest, replied, "I am devastated to hear this. Goodbye, everybody."

This interaction concluded a situation initiated by Trump. On Saturday, the President had posted on his Truth Social account, suggesting he was offering White the position while at his Florida golf club. White, 57, a long-time friend and supporter of Trump, was in London at the time and indicated he would travel to Washington, DC, to meet with the president, without specifying further details.

Speaking at the post-fight news conference for Saturday's Zuffa Boxing 12 event, White had previously stated, "I've got a lot of jobs already. We have a meeting on Monday, so I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that." He also shared an AI-generated image of himself at the White House press briefing podium on his Instagram story with the caption, "On to the next chapter."

However, Trump clarified his intentions to reporters in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, saying, "I was only kidding, but Dana loves the idea!"

White described the preceding 24 hours as "insane," noting the overwhelming media attention. "Literally everybody, every media outlet was calling me, and I didn't want to be disrespectful and say anything until he said something first," White explained. "I have zero political aspirations," he reiterated.

Trump mentioned he made the post offering White the position during a "very bad press day." He added, "I don't know why I thought of his name. He's been my friend for a long time. I said, ‘You know, I think I'm going to get Dana White to be my new press secretary.' I said it to a group of the press, and that was it. I was sort of kidding. And then they wrote the story as though I wasn't kidding, and you were inundated, and I was inundated."

The role of press secretary has seen recent turnover, with Karoline Leavitt serving until August and Katie Zacharia lasting only five days last month. Trump has frequently attended UFC events, even hosting a fight card on the White House's South Lawn in June for UFC Freedom 250, which coincided with the country's 250th anniversary and Trump's birthday. Trump and White have collaborated since 2001 when the Trump Taj Mahal casino hosted a UFC event. White has publicly backed Trump, delivering speeches at the Republican National Convention in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

In separate UFC news, Conor McGregor has expressed his desire for a final fight against Max Holloway upon his return from knee surgery. McGregor stated at the BKFC Glasgow post-fight press conference that settling his series with Holloway is his preference, especially after their July rematch ended quickly. "It has to be Holloway," McGregor insisted. "Just do the [expletive] thing again." Holloway secured a first-round TKO at UFC 329 on July 11, after McGregor sustained a knee injury early in the bout. McGregor underwent surgery and has not competed since.

The result evened their career series, with McGregor's first victory over Holloway in August 2013 also occurring despite an in-fight knee injury. McGregor anticipates a return before next summer, potentially targeting International Fight Week. He noted his recovery is progressing well, similar to a previous injury that saw him return within nine months. Holloway has indicated openness to a third fight, though McGregor acknowledged he might consider other opponents if Holloway is unavailable, prioritizing those with world championship credentials.