U.S. media report: Trump invited a heavyweight from the combat sports world to serve as White House press secretary, but the offer was declined. According to CNN, Trump stated on November 7 that he had extended an invitation to Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), to assume the role of White House press secretary. However, a source familiar with the matter confirmed that White has turned down the offer.
The situation carries a notable degree of theatricality. On November 7, Trump directly named White in a post on Truth Social, announcing his intention to appoint him to the position and suggesting he bring six current or former UFC champions with him, “to help us fight off the maniacal left-wing forces.” Yet shortly thereafter, CNN cited sources indicating that White had already refused. While White has not issued an official statement declining the role, multiple reports suggest the likelihood of his acceptance is extremely low.
Why did Trump seek out White? This was not an impulsive choice. The two have maintained a relationship spanning over two decades—during the 1990s, when UFC faced widespread institutional resistance, Trump’s casino venues hosted UFC events; in 2016, White publicly endorsed Trump; and during Trump’s 80th birthday celebration, a UFC event was held on the South Lawn of the White House. Moreover, Steven Zhang, the current White House Communications Director, previously served as a spokesperson for UFC, indicating that individuals affiliated with the organization have long been present within the White House ecosystem.
Trump’s underlying objective appears clear: he does not seek a press secretary whose primary function is to explain policy. Instead, he wants someone capable of confrontation—a figure who can serve as a combative mouthpiece. With the Republican Party suffering a significant defeat in the midterm elections and Democrats securing control of both chambers of Congress, the coming two years are expected to bring extensive congressional investigations. In this context, Trump requires a high-visibility, aggressive communicator willing to challenge mainstream media narratives. Why is White likely to decline? The answer lies in economics and career trajectory. White’s personal net worth exceeds $500 million, and he ranks among the most influential executives in global sports. Accepting the White House role would mean abandoning a vast commercial empire for a position that offers minimal power and maximum public criticism. When questioned about the potential appointment, White responded by stating, “I already have a lot on my plate”—a phrase widely interpreted as a polite refusal.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881256952243268/
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