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President Donald Trump has clarified that his announcement naming UFC president and CEO Dana White as the next White House press secretary was made in jest. Trump made the comment on Sunday, walking back a post he had published the day before on Truth Social.
Trump’s Truth Social Post Sparks Speculation
On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “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.” The post followed the recent dismissal of Katie Zacharia from the role.
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However, Trump quickly distanced himself from the statement. Speaking to reporters in Florida before departing for Washington D.C., he described the post as “just a little fun,” according to the Associated Press. “I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea, and he is a very capable guy,” Trump said. White is scheduled to visit Trump at the White House on Monday.
Ongoing Uncertainty Over Press Secretary Role
The Dana White announcement added to a broader wave of speculation about who might fill the press secretary position. Earlier, Trump also fielded a question during an interview about whether rapper Nicki Minaj might be considered for the job. He responded: “That’s a good idea. I think I’ll have to think about that… I’m going to think about that.”
As Variety noted on Saturday, it remained unclear from the start how seriously Trump intended the White offer. Nevertheless, the post generated significant attention and fueled further discussion about the vacancy.
Zacharia’s Record-Breaking Short Tenure
Zacharia served as White House press secretary for just five days before her dismissal. That makes her tenure the shortest in White House history. She succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who held the position from January 20, 2025 through August 27. After leaving the role, Leavitt announced in October that she would join Fox News Channel as a contributor.
Leavitt made history in her own right. At 27 years old, she became the youngest person ever to serve as White House press secretary. The search for a permanent replacement continues as the administration navigates the high-profile vacancy.
