Dana White Declines Trump's Press Secretary Offer After White House Appearance

President Donald Trump publicly floated UFC CEO Dana White as his next White House press secretary over the weekend. By Monday, White had appeared at the briefing room podium, but he had not accepted the job.

The initial invitation was direct. Trump urged White to accept in a social media post, writing, "Dana, please take the job!", according to News18. The BBC also reported that the president had asked White to take over the role in a weekend post.

On Saturday, November 7, Trump announced that he had offered White the press secretary position, according to NDTV. The announcement put the UFC chief executive forward for a vacant White House role.

On Sunday, November 8, Trump changed the framing. He said he "was only kidding" when he announced the offer a day earlier, the Guardian reported. Despite that explanation, White still planned to meet him, according to Mint.

On Monday, November 9, Trump continued the theme online. Forbes reported that he posted AI-generated videos on Truth Social depicting White delivering press briefings, a day after describing the offer as a joke.

Later Monday, White appeared with Trump in the White House briefing room and took questions at the podium, Fox News reported. Trump again described the suggestion of appointing him as a joke.

White then turned down the job during the appearance, according to TMZ. CNN Brasil reported that he said he had no political aspirations.

White's appearance was not an appointment. The BBC reported that he declined the offer, while AFP described him as officially turning Trump down despite taking the White House podium.

The press secretary position remains vacant in the supplied coverage. ARD Tagesschau reported that Trump was still looking for a press secretary. His public invitation, subsequent joke explanation and joint appearance with White have not produced a replacement.