{
  "id": 19093248,
  "title": "Trump 'only kidding' over press role offer to Dana White",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/trump-only-kidding-over-press-role-offer-to-dana-white",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T05:02:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2026/1109/1598470-trump-dana-joke/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U.S. President Donald Trump jokingly proposed that UFC CEO Dana White could serve as his next White House press secretary, according to a recent social media post. The offer, which also included naming several fighters from the mixed martial arts organization as potential assistants, was met with enthusiasm from White House reporters. Despite the serious tone of the post, Trump clarified in an interview that he was only joking and never intended for White to take on the role. The post suggested the inclusion of fighters from various backgrounds to emphasize the lighthearted nature of the suggestion. Trump and White, who are close allies, will meet at the White House later today, though the meeting's purpose was not related to the press secretary role.",
  "summary": "US President Donald Trump has said he was \"only kidding\" when he suggested UFC CEO Dana White could become his next White House press secretary.",
  "key_points": [
    "Trump joked about Dana White as White House press secretary",
    "White House reporters found the offer enthusiastic",
    "Trump clarified the proposal was a joke in an interview"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The president's playful suggestion underscores the close personal alliance between the administration and the mixed martial arts organization despite the lack of any serious intent to alter official communications roles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times - World News",
        "title": "Trump to meet Qatar's prime minister at White House as Iran peace talks face hurdles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/trump-to-meet-qatars-prime-minister-at-white-house-as-iran-peace",
        "published": "2026-11-09T03:18:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Middle East latest: Trump plays down prospect of new strikes on Iran",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/middle-east-latest-trump-plays-down-prospect-of-new-strikes-on-iran",
        "published": "2026-11-09T04:44:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}