Dana White has been a vocal supporter of Trump (File photo)
The clarification came a day after Trump announced on Truth Social that he had offered White the high-profile position.
In the post, he described the UFC boss as a “violent Fighter and Warrior” and urged him to take the job.
The White House press secretary is the administration’s primary public spokesperson, responsible for briefing journalists, communicating presidential decisions and defending the government’s policies. Trump currently does not have a press secretary, making the prospect of an appointment significant. His suggestion about White came amid a broader shake-up of his administration following Republican losses in the midterm elections. Miller has been a key architect of the administration’s hardline immigration policies.
On Friday, Trump named longtime aide Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles.
US President Donald Trump has clarified that he was joking when he suggested appointing Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White as the next White House press secretary, walking back a social media post that had triggered speculation about a surprise appointment. He added that White liked the idea and was capable of doing the job. The UFC chief is scheduled to visit Trump at the White House on Monday, although the president said the meeting was planned for other reasons.