US President Donald Trump has clarified that his offer to appoint Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief Dana White as the White House Press Secretary was only a joke. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Sunday, Trump said he was not serious about the proposal, bringing an end to speculation that had emerged following his social media post a day earlier.
"I was only kidding," Trump told reporters before returning to Washington. However, he added that the suggestion had attracted unexpected attention, with some people believing it could actually be a good idea.
The controversy began on Saturday when Trump publicly suggested that White should take up the position of White House Press Secretary. In his social media post, the president described White as a "violent Fighter and Warrior" and asked him to bring along some assistants. Trump also attached the names and photographs of several well-known fighters associated with the UFC.
The unusual suggestion quickly sparked discussion, particularly because White is one of Trump's close personal friends and a prominent figure in the world of combat sports.
White also responded to the unexpected proposal. Speaking at a news conference following a boxing event in the United Kingdom on Saturday, he confirmed that he was travelling immediately to Washington, DC, to meet Trump on Monday.
"I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that," White said, while making it clear that he already had several professional responsibilities. His planned meeting with Trump has further fuelled interest in the unusual exchange between the two friends.
Trump confirmed that White would visit him at the White House on Monday, although he clarified that the visit would be for other reasons. According to the president, White would come over to see him while in Washington.
The episode comes at a politically significant moment for Trump's administration. The Republican Party suffered a major setback last week after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections. Trump has since indicated that he intends to take a tougher approach towards the opposition.
He has also been considering major changes within his administration. One notable development is the reported move to appoint Stephen Miller, a key architect of his hard-line immigration policies, as his new chief of staff.
Meanwhile, Trump's press secretary position has attracted attention following the departure of his previous spokesperson, Katie Zacharia, who reportedly held the role for just five days before being removed.
Although Trump's suggestion about Dana White turned out to be a joke, the episode has once again highlighted the president's unconventional communication style and his close relationship with the UFC chief.
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