The Aporia · Trump says ‘only kidding’ about naming UFC’s Dana White as press secretary

US President Donald Trump clarified on Sunday that his earlier social media post suggesting mixed martial arts executive Dana White could become his press secretary was a joke. The post, which circulated widely and proposed using other UFC champions to confront what he called the "Lunatic Left," was intended as a light-hearted comment rather than a serious job offer. Trump told reporters that while White enjoys the idea, it wasn’t a real consideration and merely meant for fun.

Written by AI on 2026-11-09, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

Story summary

On November 9, 2026, President Donald Trump clarified that his earlier offer of the White House Press Secretary position to Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), was just a joke. Despite initial reports suggesting otherwise, Trump stated on social media and during a press conference that while White "loves the idea," the offer was never serious. The initial announcement stirred speculation about Trump's intentions as Democrats were set to take control of Congress soon. Earlier, on November 7, Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform offering the job to White, describing him as a "violent Fighter and Warrior" who would be a press secretary "like none other." However, by November 9, it was clear that the offer was not meant to be taken literally.

Written for “Trump Kidding About Dana White Press Secretary Role” on 2026-11-09, grounded in this article and the 25 other(s) covering the same event.

This article reads leans right and hedges 50% of its claims. Each row says how that neighbour differs.

Trump says he was 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO as White House press secretary Same event

Dawn

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Trump insists he was 'only kidding' about wanting UFC's Dana White as press secretary Same event

CBC News

Hedges 2 of 5 claims Outlet record 60/100

Trump says he was ‘only kidding’ about making UFC’s Dana White next press secretary Same event

The Guardian

Leans right Hedges 2 of 11 claims Outlet record 65/100

Trump says he was 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO Dana White as White House press secretary amid hunt for Karoline Leavitt's replacement Same event

Daily Mail

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Trump Laughs Off Dana White Press Secretary Offer: ‘I Was Kidding’ Same event

The Daily Wire

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Trump says 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO as White House press secretary Same event

The Straits Times

Hedges 2 of 5 claims Outlet record 66/100

Trump says he was joking about UFC’s Dana White as White House press secretary Same event

The Straits Times

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Trump says he was ‘only kidding’ about making Dana White press secretary Same event

Fox News

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Trump says he was 'kidding' about Dana White press secretary offer Same event

BBC News

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Trump ‘only kidding’ about Dana White press secretary role Same event

Al Jazeera

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Reuters

972 article(s) here · 1 carrying a prediction

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was “only kidding” when he suggested Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Chief Executive Officer Dana White could become his next White House press secretary, after a social media post a day earlier stirred speculation about recruiting his feisty ally and signalled a combative approach to dealing with Democrats as they prepare to take control of Congress.

2026-11-09 · mixed framing · Trump says he was 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO as White House press secretary

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Trump says ‘only kidding’ about naming UFC’s Dana White as press secretary Viral post proposing mixed martial arts champions to confront ‘Lunatic Left’ played down as ‘just a little fun’ US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was “only kidding” when he suggested UFC CEO Dana White could become his next White House press secretary, after a social media post a day earlier stirred speculation about recruiting his feisty ally and signalled a combative approach to dealing with Democrats as they prepare to take control of Congress.

2026-11-09 · mixed framing · Trump says ‘only kidding’ about naming UFC’s Dana White as press secretary

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