US President Donald Trump has stirred political speculation after publicly offering the position of White House press secretary to Dana White, the longtime head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and one of his closest allies outside politics.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged the mixed martial arts executive to accept the position, writing: “Dana, please take the job!”
The president also suggested that White bring six UFC fighters to Washington to serve as press assistants, adding an unusual twist to an already unconventional proposal.
Although reports suggest White initially declined the offer, the UFC chief has confirmed plans to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, November 9, leaving questions about his possible entry into the administration.
The announcement has drawn renewed attention to White’s rise from boxing gyms to the leadership of a multibillion-dollar sports empire and his longstanding relationship with the US president.
From boxing gyms to sports executive
Born on July 28, 1969, in Manchester, Connecticut, Dana Frederick White Jr. spent parts of his childhood in Las Vegas before completing high school in Maine.
He briefly attended college but left without graduating, turning instead to boxing and fitness.
White worked as a boxing instructor and later became involved in managing professional fighters, including Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell, who would become prominent figures in mixed martial arts.
His breakthrough came in 2001 when he learned that the financially struggling UFC was available for purchase.
White approached childhood friends Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, whose family operated casinos in Las Vegas, and helped arrange the organisation’s acquisition for approximately $2 million.
The purchase was completed through Zuffa, a company established to operate the UFC, with White becoming its president.
Building a $4 billion fighting empire
Under White’s leadership, the UFC evolved from a financially troubled combat sports promotion into one of the world’s most recognisable sporting organisations.
A major turning point came in 2005 with the launch of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television competition that introduced emerging mixed martial artists to mainstream American audiences.
The programme helped expand the UFC’s popularity and established White as the public face of the organisation.
In 2016, the company was sold to an investment group led by entertainment agency WME-IMG for approximately $4 billion, representing a dramatic increase from its purchase price 15 years earlier.
White remained in charge following the sale.
In September 2023, the UFC merged with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the publicly traded TKO Group Holdings, with White assuming the position of UFC chief executive.
His business interests have since expanded beyond mixed martial arts.
He oversees Power Slap, a competitive slap-fighting promotion, and became involved in launching Zuffa Boxing in 2025.
Forbes estimated his personal wealth at more than $600 million in 2025.
A growing influence beyond sports
White’s influence also extends into the technology industry.
In January 2025, Meta appointed him to its board of directors alongside Exor chief executive John Elkann and technology investor Charlie Songhurst.
The appointment highlighted his growing profile among leading American business figures.
Despite his increasing involvement in political and corporate circles, White has never held public office or served in a government administration.
A friendship with Trump spanning 25 years
White’s relationship with Trump dates to 2001, when the future president’s Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City hosted a UFC event shortly after the organisation changed ownership.
At a time when mixed martial arts struggled to secure major venues, Trump’s willingness to host UFC events helped establish a relationship that developed into a close personal and political alliance.
White publicly endorsed Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign and delivered speeches supporting him at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024.
In February 2020, he donated $1 million to a political action committee supporting Trump’s re-election campaign.
Their relationship reached another milestone on June 14, 2026, when the UFC staged its Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn.
The event coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday and celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The spectacle reinforced the increasingly close relationship between the president and one of the most influential figures in combat sports.
Controversies and personal life
White’s career has also been marked by controversy.
In January 2023, video footage emerged showing him slapping his wife, Anne, during an argument at a nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on New Year’s Eve.
White acknowledged the incident and issued a public apology, saying there was no justification for a man striking a woman.
He has also spoken publicly about his struggle with Ménière’s disease, an inner-ear disorder that can cause vertigo and hearing problems. He underwent surgery in 2013 after being diagnosed with the condition.
White married Anne in 1996 after first meeting her during their school years. The couple have three children.
Will Dana White join the Trump administration?
Trump’s public offer has raised questions about whether White could make the transition from overseeing professional fighters to managing communications for the world’s most powerful political office.
The White House press secretary serves as the administration’s principal public spokesperson, conducting media briefings, explaining government policy and responding to questions about presidential decisions.
White’s outspoken personality, experience handling confrontational interviews and longstanding loyalty to Trump could make him an unconventional choice for the position.
However, his lack of government experience and extensive business commitments could complicate any potential appointment.
Reports that White has declined the position have cast further doubt on whether Trump’s proposal will result in an official nomination.
For now, attention is focused on his planned meeting with the president on Monday.
Whether the offer represents a serious attempt to bring White into the administration or another example of Trump’s unconventional approach to political appointments remains uncertain.
