Trump proposes UFC's Dana White as potential press secretary for 2028

Donald Trump told UFC boss Dana White on Tuesday that he wants White to serve as the White House press secretary if the former president wins the 2028 election. The proposal was made during a private meeting at Trump Tower in New York and was confirmed by a spokesperson for the former president’s campaign.

Trump has cycled through six press secretaries since leaving office in 2021, most of whom quit amid scandals or clashes with the media. He has complained that his current communications team lacks the “toughness” to fight what he calls a hostile press. Dana White, who has run the Ultimate Fighting Championship since 2001, is known for his blunt style and willingness to confront critics. By tapping White, Trump hopes to inject a combative voice into his media strategy and appeal to his base of sports‑loving voters.

White has not yet responded publicly, but sources close to him say he is weighing the offer. Political analysts note that White’s lack of experience in government could be a liability, especially given the complex briefings required of a press secretary. The White House press office issued a brief statement saying it “takes all staffing proposals seriously” but did not confirm any discussions. Democrats on Capitol Hill called the move “a stunt” and warned it could further erode trust in the administration. Meanwhile, some UFC fighters expressed surprise, saying they had not been consulted and were concerned about the brand’s reputation.

If White accepts, the next step will be a formal vetting process by the Federal Election Commission and a background check by the Office of Personnel Management. The decision will likely be announced at a campaign rally later this month, where Trump plans to unveil his full 2028 ticket. A White House press secretary with a fighting‑promotion background would mark an unprecedented blend of entertainment and politics, and could reshape how the Trump campaign handles media scrutiny.