Dana White declines Trump's offer to become 38th White House press secretary
The UFC chief stood in the briefing room Monday to answer questions after a satirical social media post by the president.
By Julia Wang ·
UFC chief Dana White has zero political aspirations, a sentiment he declared Monday while standing at the White House podium.
White joined President Donald Trump for a surprise press briefing following a satirical announcement made Saturday on social media. The president posted that he wanted White, whom he described as a violent fighter and warrior, to serve as his next chief spokesman. White was in London for a boxing event when he received a call about the news. He described the previous 24 hours as insane.
The position is currently vacant after Karoline Leavitt left her post at the end of August. The role remained open during a brief and tumultuous week when Katie Zacharia served as press secretary for five days before departing. Trump suggested the joke might provide some levity after a very bad press day.
White spent time answering questions from reporters, including a query regarding a potential posthumous pardon for baseball legend Pete Rose. White stated he did not advise the president on anything ever but considered the idea fair. Trump interjected to confirm he would grant the pardon. The president noted that White would be fantastic in the role, despite the former UFC boss insisting he did not want to be in politics.
The briefing occurred amid a series of unexpected actions by the White House following Republican losses in last week's midterm elections. Officials did not have time to affix the presidential seal to the lectern before Trump spoke. The president addressed topics including the midterms, the war in Iran, and other serious subjects for approximately 30 minutes.
Trump has maintained a close relationship with White for decades. The UFC chief has spoken at the last three Republican National Conventions. In June, the White House South Lawn hosted a UFC event under a structure called The Claw for the nation's 250th anniversary and Trump's 80th birthday. Trump described White as unique, noting that his only problem is that he will eventually beat the reporter up after talking for a while.
