WASHINGTON, United States — UFC President Dana White has declined President Donald Trump’s offer to serve as White House press secretary, saying he has no interest in a political career and prefers to remain with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
White made the comments during a surprise appearance at the White House on Monday, where Trump brought him into the James Brady Briefing Room for a news conference.
“So let me ask you the big question. Would you like to be press secretary of the United States of America? Or do you just want to stay with this ridiculous UFC? Huh?” Trump asked.
“Thank you for the offer, sir — for the offer, I have no, no — I do not want to be in politics,” White replied.
Trump smiled and left the room, saying, “I am devastated to hear this. Goodbye, everybody.”
The press secretary’s post has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left on October 16 after less than a week in the role. Her predecessor, Karoline Leavitt, departed in August after a year and a half on the job.
Trump’s Saturday social media post stating that he had offered the high-profile job to “violent Fighter and Warrior” White had sparked speculation about a more aggressive communications stance following the Republican Party’s surprising midterm-election losses. Trump said Sunday night that he had been joking.
Introducing White at the podium on Monday, Trump said he had been “having a little fun.” He described White as “a great guy,” though he added, “The only problem is he’ll talk for a little while and then he’s going to beat the hell out of you.”
Standing at the lectern in a black t-shirt and jacket, White joked, “I’ve always wanted to do this. Who has the first question?” before quickly adding, “I have zero political aspirations.” He said the past 24 hours had been “insane” since Trump’s announcement.
Asked by a reporter to confirm that he had turned down the job, White said, “I don’t tell the president ‘no’ to anything… I didn’t want to be disrespectful and say anything until he said something first.”
Trump then took questions on other pressing matters, including the wars in Iran and Ukraine, the possible impeachment of Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and a spy scandal involving Nvidia chief Jensen Huang.
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