Donald Trump Says He Was ‘Kidding’ About Making Dana White His Press Secretary

President Donald Trump has said he was only kidding about appointing Ultimate Fighting Championship president and CEO Dana White as his next White House press secretary.

Following the ousting of Katie Zacharia from the role, Trump wrote on Truth Social Saturday: “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.”

On Sunday, however, Trump said it was “just a little fun,” according to AP.

“I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea, and he is a very capable guy,” Trump said, speaking to the media in Florida before leaving for Washington D.C. White is due to visit Trump at the White House on Monday.

As Variety reported Saturday, it was always unclear just how serious Trump was about offering the job to the executive, but the speculation was the latest in recent news regarding potential press secretaries. Trump had been asked during an interview whether musician Nikki Minaj would be considered for the position, to which he responded: “That’s a good idea. I think I’ll have to think about that… I’m going to think about that.”

Zacharia served as Trump’s press secretary for just five days before she was let go — the shortest tenure in White House history. She succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who held the position from Jan. 20, 2025 through Aug. 27. In October, she announced she joining Fox News Channel as a contributor. At 27, she was the youngest person in American history to hold the position.