Trump’s pick of Dana White as press secretary has given way to a wild mix-up theory

A surprising public appeal

Trump named Ultimate Fighting Championship boss Dana White as his choice for White House press secretary. He shared an AI-generated image of White at the White House podium and publicly urged him to take the job.

The announcement led online commentators to wonder whether Trump had confused the UFC executive with Dana W. White, who previously served as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson. They suggested she could have been considered for the vacant post.

Speculation over two names

Journalist Adam Cochran wrote on X that Dana W. White, who handled public affairs for the secretary of defense, had reportedly been recommended on a shortlist. He speculated that Trump announced the UFC’s Dana White instead.

Political science professor Connor Ewing raised the possibility of a mistaken identity, comparing it to Four Seasons Total Landscaping. Writer Doug Farrar also suggested Trump may have confused the two, and noted the timing fell on the anniversary of that episode.

Former spokesperson responds

Dana W. White addressed people congratulating her on LinkedIn, clarifying that they had the wrong person. She said she had answered questions from the Pentagon press corps but had never been inside an octagon.

She also said she was pleased that the UFC’s Dana White was being confused with her. The story does not establish whether the former Pentagon official appeared on a shortlist or whether Trump’s announcement resulted from a mix-up.

Press secretary role remains open

It was not immediately clear whether the UFC executive would accept the position. The Independent contacted the White House for comment.