JACKSON THOMPSON: Dana White says he'll meet with Trump amid claim of White House press secretary job offer

White addressed the offer Saturday after a Zuffa Boxing event in London, saying he planned to fly to Washington following the news conference. "I got a lot of jobs already," White said with a laugh. "We have a meeting on Monday, so I'm sure we'll have more to talk about after that."

Trump made a Truth Social post on Saturday claiming he offered the job to White, urging him to take it. "We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!" Trump wrote.

The president also proposed bringing several current and former UFC fighters along as assistants, naming Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes, among others.

White House shake-up

The overture comes amid changes to Trump's communications operation. Karoline Leavitt left the press secretary job in August, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family. Her successor, Katie Zacharia, lasted just five days in October.

Trump also announced Friday that Stephen Miller would replace Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff. The changes follow Tuesday's midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress.

Long-standing relationship

White and Trump's relationship stretches back to 2001, when Trump's Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City hosted a UFC event as the promotion worked to establish itself. White later became a prominent supporter of Trump's presidential campaigns.

He spoke at the Republican National Conventions in 2016 and 2020 and introduced Trump at the 2024 convention. Their partnership reached the White House lawn in June, when the UFC staged its Freedom 250 event on the South Lawn as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations.

White's influence in Trump's political orbit has extended beyond campaign endorsements. Trump has credited the UFC executive with introducing him to younger online personalities who helped him reach audiences outside traditional political media.

Trump's current communications challenge could grow when Democrats take control of Congress next year. Democratic lawmakers have pledged investigations into the administration, including its immigration enforcement policies.