UFC chief takes White House podium, but turns down Trump

UFC CEO Dana White addressed reporters at the White House press briefing room on Monday, but expressed a desire to avoid involvement in politics following a lighthearted jest from President Donald Trump. Trump approached White in the historic James Brady Press Briefing Room following a tumultuous Q&A session. Trump inquired about the possibility of White taking on the role of press secretary, to which White responded, "Thank you for the offer, sir - for the offer, I have no, no - I do not want to be in politics."

Despite the president's initial offer, Trump later revealed on Sunday that the comment was merely a joke, though he added that White was thrilled by the notion. The 80-year-old Trump stunned observers when he proposed the position to White on Saturday, following Katie Zacharia's brief tenure in the role that had lasted less than a week.

White, 57, is a longtime friend of the president and played a significant role in hosting a substantial UFC event on the White House grounds earlier in the year.