Dana White Turns Down Trump’s Press Secretary Role
On November 7, 2026, Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), declined Donald Trump’s invitation to serve as White House press secretary. Although White avoided directly addressing reporters’ questions about the offer, he confirmed that he would be traveling to Washington on Monday to meet with Trump.
White, who leads the world’s largest mixed martial arts organization, has been a prominent Trump ally for years. He has appeared at the last three Republican National Conventions and participated in the recent 250th anniversary celebration of the United States, where Trump hosted a UFC fight on the White House lawn this past summer. Trump stated that his offer to White was intended to shield the administration from what he called the 'radical left.'
Vacancy and Turmoil in the White House Press Office
The role of White House press secretary became open following the departure of Caroline Leavitt, who served since the start of Trump’s second term. Her successor, Katie Zaharia, lasted only five days before being dismissed due to a botched briefing and allegations regarding a fake legal license. White House Communications Director Steven Cheng publicly backed White by resharing Trump’s supportive message.
The Republican Party has faced criticism for losing control of Congress in the recent midterm elections, an outcome many attribute to Trump’s leadership. This political setback adds pressure on Trump’s decisions about key appointments, including the next press secretary. Responding to the offer, White received vocal encouragement from Steven Cheng, who tweeted:
“Hell yes! Do it, Dana White!” - Steven Cheng
The situation surrounding the press secretary position remains unsettled, with White’s upcoming meeting with Trump potentially shedding light on forthcoming shifts within the administration.
White’s refusal highlights the political challenges currently facing Trump’s team after the midterms. With the press secretary role still unfilled, Trump appears to be seeking a candidate capable of bolstering his standing amid internal party conflicts. The discussions between White and Trump could prove pivotal in shaping the administration’s communication strategy moving forward.
For international observers, these developments indicate ongoing instability within the White House communications team, which may affect how the administration manages public messaging during a critical period of political transition.
As the political landscape shifts, Trump's recent staff changes highlight the ongoing turmoil within his administration. With the departure of key personnel and the challenges faced in the lead-up to the elections, the implications for Trump's future appointments, including the press secretary role, become increasingly significant.