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 previous day's offer to appoint UFC CEO Dana White as the new White House press secretary was a joke. Initially, on Truth Social on November 7, Trump announced he had offered the job to White, calling him "the Great Dana White" and suggesting he bring fighters to the White House for assistance. CNN reported that White reportedly declined the position after meeting with Trump in Florida on Monday. However, Trump said he was only joking when questioned by reporters on his way back from a beach club near West Palm Beach, adding that White enjoyed the idea despite not accepting it seriously.

Written for “Trump Kidding About Dana White Press Secretary Offer” 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

Hedges 2 of 5 claims Outlet record 72/100

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

CBC News

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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 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

Hedges 1 of 23 claims Outlet record 67/100

Donald Trump says offer of press secretary role to UFC chief was a joke Same event

Toronto Sun

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Trump says he was kidding when he offered UFC CEO press secretary role Same event

CBS News

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Breaking: Trump says he was 'kidding' about offering Dana White press secretary job Same event

ABC News (AU)

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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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