Saturday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had proposed the White House press secretary post to Dana White, one of his close associates who runs the UFC, the leading global organization of mixed martial arts (MMA).
After Friday’s appointment of his adviser Stephen Miller, a hard-right figure, as White House chief of staff, the Republican president thus confirms his combative stance toward the forthcoming Democratic majority in Congress, following the rout of his camp in the crucial midterm elections on Tuesday.
Donald Trump made this announcement on his Truth Social network, noting that Dana White, described as a “fighter and violent warrior,” had not yet accepted the proposal.
“Dana, please accept this job,” wrote Donald Trump, urging him to surround himself with aides from the MMA world, including two Russians and a Brazilian, “even if some are not from our country.”
“We need these people to defend us against the crazy left,” he added, referring to the Democratic opposition that won control of both chambers of Congress.
The strategic post of White House press secretary has been vacant since the October 16 dismissal of Katie Zacharia, fired after five days. This conservative commentator had left a laborious impression during the only briefing she led and was accused of having lied about her qualifications as a lawyer.
The person in question, following a bout he attended in London, said he would go to Washington “immediately” to meet the American president on Monday.
“I’ll have more to say after that,” he added to reporters present.
In an interview with CBS that will be broadcast on Sunday, Donald Trump hinted at further moves to come. “I like my cabinet (…) But I may proceed with a few changes,” he said in a clip from the interview released on Friday.
As a reminder, Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday in June by hosting an MMA tournament at the White House, organized by the UFC.
