UFC CEO Dana White has reportedly turned down President Donald Trump’s unexpected offer to become White House press secretary, bringing a swift end to one of the administration’s most unusual proposed appointments.
The development comes after Trump publicly offered White the position Saturday in a Truth Social announcement that also called for several prominent UFC fighters to join him in Washington.
According to CNN, a source familiar with the matter confirmed that White declined the president’s invitation.
The decision comes as Trump prepares for additional personnel changes following the Republican Party’s devastating losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Earlier Saturday, Trump surprised political observers by announcing that he wanted the longtime UFC executive to become his administration’s chief spokesperson.
“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.
But the president’s announcement went considerably further.
Trump requested that White bring six prominent mixed martial arts personalities to the White House as assistants, sharing photographs of the fighters alongside his message.
The proposed lineup included Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harris.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left,” Trump declared.
The president concluded his unusual invitation with a direct appeal to the UFC executive.
“Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”
White House communications director Steven Cheung appeared enthusiastic about the idea, reposting Trump’s announcement with his own endorsement.
“Hell yeah! Do it, @DanaWhite!” Cheung wrote.
Despite the public encouragement from Trump and his communications team, White reportedly decided against accepting the position.
The UFC executive has been one of Trump’s most recognizable supporters for years, maintaining a close political relationship with the president.
White appeared at the last three Republican National Conventions and played a significant role in introducing Trump to younger audiences.
His connections within the sports and entertainment industries helped the president reach influential online personalities and podcast audiences during the 2024 presidential election, per Trending Politics.
Trump previously acknowledged White’s contributions to those efforts.
“He introduced me to people I never heard of, young kids,” Trump said earlier this year.
“I mean, I was being interviewed by 20-year-old kids. I’m saying, ‘Where the hell did you meet these people?’ They’re called influencers.”
However, that political relationship has faced a changing landscape since Trump’s return to the White House.
Some prominent personalities who previously helped introduce Trump to younger audiences, including podcaster Joe Rogan, have become increasingly critical of the administration.
The president also hosted a UFC event on the White House lawn during the summer as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The event was among Trump’s efforts to maintain connections with younger male voters.
Nevertheless, Democrats made gains among that demographic during Tuesday’s elections, contributing to their victories in both chambers of Congress.
White’s reported decision also arrives during a period of substantial uncertainty within Trump’s administration.
On Friday, the president replaced longtime White House chief of staff Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller, one of his closest and most prominent advisers.
Miller is scheduled to assume the position Monday.
Trump has also publicly indicated that further personnel changes are under consideration, although he has declined to identify which officials could be affected.
The president’s interest in bringing White into the administration suggested he was willing to consider an unconventional choice for one of the White House’s most visible positions.
However, the reported rejection means that White will not be taking on the job.
The report did not provide a detailed explanation for his decision, and White’s personal response to the offer was not included.
For now, the UFC executive appears set to remain outside the administration despite his longstanding relationship with Trump.
And as additional White House changes remain possible, the president’s search for new personnel continues following a difficult midterm election for Republicans.
