Donald Trump has said he was joking when he appeared to offer UFC president Dana White the vacant White House press secretary’s job, despite claiming that his long-time ally was interested in the role.
The president made the suggestion in a social media post over the weekend, describing Mr White as a “violent Fighter and Warrior” and proposing that he bring several UFC fighters with him as assistants.
Mr White, who was in London for a boxing event, declined to discuss the offer in detail when questioned about it on Sunday. He said he planned to meet Mr Trump at the White House on Monday.
Asked how he would combine the potential White House role with his existing responsibilities in combat sports, Mr White replied: “Yeah, I got a lot of jobs already.” He later said he expected to have more to say after speaking with the president.
Mr Trump subsequently told reporters in Florida that the proposal had been “just a little fun”, while maintaining that Mr White liked the idea and was capable of doing the job.
“I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea,” Mr Trump said. He pointed to his suggestion that UFC fighters should serve as assistants as evidence that the post was not intended as a serious appointment.
Mr White has been a prominent supporter of Mr Trump and has appeared with him at political and UFC events. In June, he helped stage a UFC event on the White House lawn.
The White House press secretary’s position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left the role after a brief tenure. Mr Trump’s announcement came amid a wider reshuffle following heavy Republican losses in the midterm elections.
