West Palm Beach (United States) (AFP) – US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his proposal to appoint Dana White, the head of the UFC, the world's leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, as White House spokesperson, was a joke.
Published on: 09/11/2026 - 05:02
“I was just joking, but Dana loves the idea,” Donald Trump told reporters on the tarmac at the airport that bears his name in Florida.
Donald Trump made this announcement on Saturday on his Truth Social network, specifying that Dana White, described as a "violent fighter and warrior", had not yet accepted this proposal.
“Dana, please accept this job,” wrote Donald Trump, urging him to surround himself with deputies from the MMA world, “even if some are not from our country.”
The 57-year-old, after an event he attended in London, said he was going "immediately" to Washington to meet the American president on Monday.
“I will have more to say after that,” he added to the journalists present.
The strategic position of White House spokesperson has been vacant since the ouster on October 16 of Katie Zacharia, fired after five days. This conservative commentator left a difficult impression during the only briefing she hosted and was accused of lying about her legal qualifications.
Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday in June by hosting an MMA tournament at the White House, organized by the UFC.
Dana White appeared on stage alongside Trump during his victory speech for his re-election in 2024.
© 2026 AFP
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