'Kidding': Trump says press secretary offer to UFC boss was a 'joke'

US President Donald Trump has rescinded his offer from last week for the White House press secretary role to Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, claiming he was "only kidding".

He told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Florida on Sunday that although White “loves the idea”, the offer was a “joke.” 

"I was only kidding, but Dana loves the idea and there's only one Dana … It was just a little fun.

"This was an example of something where I was kidding."

The position is currently vacant thanks to an unprepared Katie Zacharia, who left after an historically short five-day tenure in October. 

And then of course there were rumours that pop star Nicki Minaj could take the job.

The president took to Truth Social the previous day, describing White as "a violent Fighter and Warrior" and announcing that he could appoint several well-known UFC stars as his assistant, including former and current champions Khabib Nurmagomedov, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier and Justin Gaethje.

White has been one of Trump's biggest celebrity supporters, speaking at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Republican National Conventions. 

Their friendship led to the UFC hosting a live event on the grounds of the White House, UFC Freedom 250, on Trump's 80th birthday on June 14.