Trump ditches White press secretary joke
The president called his offer to UFC boss Dana White a bit of fun after replacing his chief of staff.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
President Donald Trump told reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday that his offer to appoint UFC owner Dana White as White House press secretary was a joke.
The announcement came two days after the Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Trump used the weekend to restructure his leadership team. He removed Susie Wiles as chief of staff on Friday and named Stephen Miller to the position. Miller has served as the architect for the administration’s hardline immigration policies.
On Saturday, Trump posted on social media that he had offered the press secretary role to White, a close friend. By Sunday, he characterized the move as "just a little fun."
“I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea, and he is a very capable guy,” Trump said before departing for the White House. He noted that White is scheduled to visit him in Washington on Monday.
The White House is currently without a permanent press secretary. Katie Zacharia held the post for five days before leaving. She struggled behind the lectern and in interviews, prompting her departure.
