Trump says he was 'kidding' about Dana White as press secretary
Source: Fox News · All Fox News reports
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Summary
The Fox News clip features President Trump addressing his Saturday Truth Social post in which he announced offering UFC CEO Dana White the White House press secretary position and requested several UFC fighters as 'assistants' to counter the 'Lunatic Left.' Trump explains that the post featuring photos of fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, and others was meant in jest, noting the 'rough faces' should have signaled he was 'having a good time,' though he adds that Dana loves the idea and they will speak further.
The segment relies on Trump's own words with no additional named guests or external graphics. It presents the clarification straightforwardly while highlighting Trump's longstanding positive relationship with White, who hosted a major UFC event on the White House South Lawn earlier in 2026. The press secretary role has seen rapid turnover, with recent short tenures for predecessors.
Editorial Assessment
The clip is factually accurate in reporting Trump's statement that he was kidding, which aligns with earlier anonymous White House sourcing that the initial announcement was not serious. Viewers receive a light, friendly take that emphasizes Trump's humor and admiration for White but miss broader context: the position has been unstable with multiple short-lived appointees amid Democratic congressional oversight, and the original post included inflammatory rhetoric about fighters defending against the left. This framing could skew perception toward seeing the episode as harmless trolling rather than another example of unconventional and sometimes chaotic staffing in the administration. The brevity leaves out confirmation that White declined the role per sources and any discussion of qualifications for the high-profile communications job.
Key Moments
I posted the greatest wrestlers and UFC fighters... and you would have thought that people would have said he's having a good time
Matches Trump's Saturday Truth Social post that included photos of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Islam Makhachev, and others as proposed assistants.
I was only kidding, but Dana loves the idea
Direct quote from Trump in the Fox segment; consistent with Reuters reporting on his Sunday clarification, though sources had previously called the offer a joke.
There's only one Dana. He's great. You wouldn't mess around with him so much
Trump's own words in the clip praising White; reflects their long personal and professional relationship, including the 2026 White House UFC event.
I was kidding, of course
Trump's explicit clarification; multiple outlets (CNN, WaPo) had reported aides describing the original announcement as non-serious.
Notable Concerns
- Limited context on repeated press secretary turnover and governance implications
- Omission of reporting that Dana White had already declined the offer
Sources Consulted
- Trump says 'only kidding' about naming UFC CEO as White House press secretary
- UFC CEO Dana White declines Trump’s offer to become press secretary, source says
- Trump says he offered UFC CEO Dana White the White House press secretary role
- Trump offers UFC boss Dana White press secretary job
- UFC's Dana White says he will meet with Trump Monday over offer to be White House press secretary
- Trump shares cartoon of UFC fighters beating reporters after offering Dana White press job
- UFC fighters Trump wants as Dana White's press secretary 'assistants'
- Katie Zacharia dropped as press secretary after one week on the job