Donald Trump Offers White House Press Secretary Role to UFC Chief

President Donald Trump offered the position of White House press secretary to Ultimate Fighting Championship chief executive Dana White on Saturday, prompting the fighting executive to schedule a meeting in Washington.

The public offer came via social media from Florida, where Trump described White as a violent fighter and warrior who could defend the administration against the political opposition.

The president also requested that White bring several mixed martial arts fighters from around the world to serve as assistants in the press office.

The unconventional job offer arrives as the White House faces a period of heavy transition following midterm elections where Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress.

The press secretary position has remained vacant since mid-October, when Katie Zacharia departed after less than a week following a tumultuous first appearance before reporters.

Zacharia had previously replaced Karoline Leavitt, who stepped down from the role in August after holding the position for 19 months.

While attending a boxing event in London, White addressed the president's announcement during a news conference and confirmed his upcoming travel plans.

"I'm going to meet with him, we have a meeting on Monday so I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that," said Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

When asked by reporters how he might handle a government role alongside his extensive business obligations, White acknowledged his busy schedule.

"Yeah, I got a lot of jobs already," said White.

Speculation quickly spread across internet platforms regarding whether the president intended to select the sports executive or instead meant Dana W. White, the former Pentagon chief spokesperson.

The former defense official clarified the confusion on social media, writing that observers had the wrong person.

"I've stood at the podium and taken questions from the Pentagon press corps. I have never stood in an octagon. I'd like to keep it that way," said Dana W. White, according to The Independent.

CNN reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the situation, that the UFC boss had ultimately declined the position.

Meanwhile, a White House official speaking anonymously to The Washington Post stated that the original social media announcement was made as a joke.

It remains unresolved whether White will formally take on the administration role when the two men meet in Washington on Monday.