President Trump said on Sunday that his public offer to make Dana White his press secretary was not serious. The president told reporters that the U.F.C. chief executive “loves the idea” of the role.
Trump added that the suggestion was “just a little fun” and that he was “only kidding” about the appointment. The comment came after he floated White’s name for the White House spokesman job.
White has led the U.F.C. as chief executive and has been a longtime associate of the president. The two have appeared together at sporting events and political gatherings.
The press secretary position has been filled by several officials during Trump’s term. No formal change to the role was announced.
Trump’s remarks on Sunday clarified that the offer was not part of a staffing plan. The president described the exchange as lighthearted.
White has not publicly commented on whether he would consider a government role. The U.F.C. has not issued a statement on the matter.
The episode drew attention because of White’s high profile in sports and his ties to Trump. It remained unclear whether the president would revisit the idea.
