Pentagon Alum Dana White Clarifies Trump's Press Secretary Mix-up
Former defense spokesperson explains why she is not taking the White House job despite the president's social media post naming the UFC chief.
By Samir Patterson ·
The White House press pool has long operated under strict protocols, making a potential name swap with a professional athlete unusual. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Saturday that UFC president Dana White was his preferred candidate for the next press secretary. He asked the fighter to accept the position immediately.
The president reversed his stance on Sunday, stating he was only joking about the offer. He noted that his administration has appointed individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Linda McMahon, and Pete Hegseth to cabinet roles. This history suggests the public should not dismiss the remark entirely.
UFC executive Dana White met with the president on Monday. He appeared before reporters and stated he does not tell the president no. He added that he does not want to enter politics.
Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana White served as Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs from April 2017 to December 31, 2018. She is the official who led communications for the Department of Defense during that period. Her role involved standing at a podium and answering questions from the national press corps.
White addressed the confusion in a LinkedIn post on Sunday. She thanked people who sent her congratulations but identified the correct individual. She noted she has never stood in an octagon and intends to keep it that way. She concluded by wishing the next White House Press Secretary the best of luck.
