President Donald Trump said Sunday that he was only joking about an offer to UFC CEO Dana White for the position of White House press secretary.
"I will tell you, I was only kidding," Trump told reporters Sunday.
Trump announced on social media platform Truth Social on Saturday that he had offered White the position, and White said at a news conference in London later that day that he would fly to Washington, D.C., to discuss the job offer.
In addition to White, Trump mentioned several UFC fighters in the offer, including former and current champions Khabib Nurmagomedov, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier and Justin Gaethje.
Trump downplayed his comments Sunday but stated White would still visit Washington on other business. "You wouldn't mess around with him so much," Trump said.
White has been one of Trump's most prominent supporters, speaking at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Republican National Conventions. Their relationship led to the UFC hosting a live event on the South Lawn at the White House, UFC Freedom 250, on Trump's 80th birthday on June 14.
The press secretary position has been vacant since Katie Zacharia departed after a five-day tenure in October.
