Donald Trump has offered the job of White House press secretary to Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White, according to a post on Truth Social. The move comes after the Republicans' defeat in the midterm elections.
In the post, Mr Trump described Mr White as a 'violent Fighter and Warrior' who could help tackle the 'Lunatic Left'. He also invited Mr White to recruit MMA fighters Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris, even though 'some are not from our Country'.
Close Relationship and Prior Roles
It is unclear how seriously to take the claim, although Mr Trump and Mr White do enjoy a close relationship. Mr Trump has already signalled a willingness to come out fighting after the midterm trouncing by appointing Stephen Miller as his chief of staff.
Mr White organised UFC Freedom 250, a cage fight staged on the White House lawn in June to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence and Mr Trump's 80th birthday. The job of White House press secretary has been vacant since Katie Zacharia exited in October after just a few days on the job.
Response and History
Following Trump's post, White posted an Instagram photo of himself behind the podium in the White House press briefing room with the caption 'On to the next chapter'. Mr White has frequently clashed with reporters in the past, particularly after being questioned over MMA restarting soon after the Covid pandemic.
Mr Trump and Mr White's business relationship goes back to 2001, when two UFC events were held at the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mr White has spoken in favour of Mr Trump at Republican National Conventions and has frequently praised the US president.
