Trump offers UFC chief Dana White the White House press secretary job

President Donald Trump said Saturday that he had offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. White, a longtime friend and political supporter of the president, did not say whether he would accept.

Trump made the announcement on his social media site, describing White as a fighter and urging him to take the job. He also said White should bring several well-known mixed martial arts athletes to serve as aides. White was in London for a boxing event when he was asked about the post. He said he was flying to Washington and had a meeting with the president scheduled for Monday, and that he would have more to say afterward.

The press secretary's post has been vacant since Katie Zacharia left the role in October after only a few days. She had succeeded Karoline Leavitt, who departed in August. A spokesperson for the White House did not immediately confirm the offer beyond Trump's own post. Later reporting cited a source saying White had turned the job down and an aide suggesting the post may have been meant in jest. White himself has not announced a decision.

The episode comes days after Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress and a day after Trump named Stephen Miller to replace Susie Wiles as chief of staff. The communications job will matter as Democrats prepare investigations and public messaging fights in the new year.

Until White and the White House say more after Monday's meeting, it remains unclear whether the offer will produce an appointment, a different arrangement, or nothing at all.