Dana White is reportedly due to meet Donald Trump at the White House next week to discuss becoming the president’s press secretary, despite a separate report claiming the UFC chief has already rejected the offer.
The meeting is expected to take place in the Oval Office on Monday, according to one account. However, a source familiar with the matter was reported to have said that Mr White had already turned down the position.
The conflicting reports came after Mr Trump publicly urged his longtime ally to accept the role, even suggesting he bring a group of UFC fighters to Washington as assistants.
It remains unclear whether the president’s proposal was serious. One White House aide was reported to have said Mr Trump was joking.
Mr White, 57, has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to take the job. He was in London on Saturday for a boxing event.
Mr Trump made the offer in a post on Truth Social, writing: “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.”
He then suggested that Mr White bring mixed martial arts stars Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison with him.
“We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!” Mr Trump wrote.
Mr White appeared to play along with the announcement, reposting it on Instagram and sharing an image of himself behind the White House briefing-room podium.
“On to the next chapter,” he wrote, without making clear whether he was accepting the offer or joining in the joke. White House communications director Steven Cheung also backed the idea, writing: “Hell yeah! Do it, @DanaWhite!”
The reported approach comes as the White House searches for a replacement for Katie Zacharia, whose time as press secretary ended after five days following a difficult first briefing.
Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, served for about 18 months before leaving in August to spend more time with her young family. The search for a successor has reportedly included other unconventional names, including rapper Nicki Minaj.
Mr White has developed a close relationship with Mr Trump and spoke at the last three Republican National Conventions. He also helped connect the president with younger male voters during the 2024 campaign.
Mr Trump has credited the UFC president with introducing him to a new generation of voters, saying earlier this year: “He introduced me to people I never heard of, young kids.”
The pair’s relationship reached a high point in June when Mr Trump hosted a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The president’s wider personnel changes have also included the removal of longtime chief of staff Susie Wiles. Hardline adviser Stephen Miller is due to replace her from Monday.
