Trump says he was joking about offering White House press secretary job to UFC head Dana White

According to Ukrayinska Pravda citing the New York Times, US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he was "only joking" when he announced that he wanted to appoint Dana White, the chief executive officer of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and his longtime friend, as the next White House press secretary.

The Social Media Post and Clarification in Florida

While speaking with reporters in Florida, the US leader addressed his social media post from Saturday in which he declared that White had been offered the position. In that initial post, Trump had urged White to accept and to bring along several fighters to serve as his assistants. "I'll tell you, I was only joking. Dana loves that idea, and there's only one like Dana," Trump said on Sunday. He added that it is best not to mess with the UFC chief executive. The clarification quickly put to rest any lingering speculation about a major administrative role for the prominent sports executive.

Background on Dana White and Trump's Inner Circle

Dana White has maintained a close, long-standing friendship with Donald Trump, frequently appearing at political rallies and endorsing his presidential campaigns. As the head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, White commands immense influence within the American sports and entertainment landscape. Although the original social media announcement generated widespread media discussion regarding unconventional staffing considerations within the executive branch, the president's follow-up remarks confirmed that the proposal was entirely lighthearted.