US President Donald Trump has offered Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the position of White House press secretary in an unconventional move that has attracted widespread attention. White, a longstanding political ally of the president, confirmed that he would meet Trump in Washington on Monday, 9 November, but declined to say whether he intended to accept the position. The announcement comes amid political turmoil following Republican losses in the US midterm elections.
Trump proposes an unusual appointment
Trump announced the offer on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, describing White as a fighter and warrior who would bring an entirely different approach to White House communications.
The president also suggested that several prominent UFC fighters could accompany White as assistants, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison.
Trump said the proposed team would help defend his administration against political opponents.
The unusual announcement immediately raised questions about whether the president was seriously considering the appointment or making a provocative political statement.
Dana White confirms Washington meeting
Speaking to reporters in London on Saturday, White confirmed that he was travelling to Washington and expected to meet Trump on Monday.
He indicated that further information might become available following their discussions but stopped short of accepting the position.
White subsequently shared an image depicting himself behind the White House press briefing podium, accompanied by a message suggesting a possible new chapter.
The UFC executive has maintained a close relationship with Trump for more than two decades and publicly supported his presidential campaigns.
White House communications face uncertainty
The administration has struggled to maintain stability in the press secretary position.
Katie Zacharia departed in October after serving less than a week, having replaced Karoline Leavitt, who left the position in August.
The latest announcement follows substantial Democratic gains in the congressional midterm elections, which have increased political pressure on the president.
A confirmed appointment would represent a significant departure from the conventional selection of experienced political communications professionals.
A political alliance enters new territory
White has built the UFC into one of the world’s most commercially successful mixed martial arts organisations, developing a reputation for outspoken management and aggressive public promotion.
However, managing relations between the White House and the international press requires considerably different responsibilities.
Whether White is prepared to leave his lucrative position in professional sports remains uncertain.
His meeting with Trump on Monday could determine whether the proposal becomes a formal government appointment or remains another unconventional episode in the president’s increasingly turbulent administration.
NewsHub Finance | US Politics | 8 November 2026
US President Donald Trump has offered Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the position of White House press secretary in an unconventional move that has attracted widespread attention. White, a longstanding political ally of the president, confirmed that he would meet Trump in Washington on Monday, 9 November, but declined to say whether he intended to accept the position. The announcement comes amid political turmoil following Republican losses in the US midterm elections.
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