Donald Trump and UFC chief Dana White held a surprise press conference at the White House on Monday after the president joked on social media about the possibility of putting the businessman in charge of presidential communications. In front of reporters, the Republican leader clarified that it was all a joke, although he acknowledged that they already had a scheduled meeting.
"We have a very distinguished guest with us today. A lot of people think he will be our new press secretary. And one thing about him is that he doesn't beat around the bush, because I've known him for a long time," Trump said while introducing his close friend from before he took office. "I was having a little fun and asked, 'What if Dana White is the press secretary?'" the president remarked.
"He's a great guy and has done an incredible job. If we talk about boxing promoters, like Don King —who is a friend of mine— this goes way beyond that. He is a man who achieved what no one has ever seen; today the UFC handles numbers similar to the NFL and he has enormous experience with the press," Trump stated, praising his friend's career.
"Even Karoline [Leavitt] would admit that Dana is unique. The only problem is that he talks to you for a while and then he's going to beat you up," the president joked. "We both love the idea, but we have other priorities. He was already going to come see me about another matter and I thought he could say a few words. I think he would like the position, he loves the country and would do a tremendous job."
