Trump Denies Seriousness of Offering White House Spokesperson Role to Dana White

US President Donald Trump retracted the suggestion of naming Mixed Martial Arts organization "UFC" president Dana White to take on the role of White House spokesperson, confirming he "was joking" when he announced offering the job to his friend and political ally, in a move that ended a wave of speculation regarding new changes in his media team.

Trump told reporters on Sunday evening that he was not serious in offering the position to White, adding: "I was just joking, but Dana loves the idea, and there is only one Dana."

Trump had announced on Saturday via his platform "Truth Social" that he offered White the position of White House spokesperson, directing a direct invitation to him to accept the job, praising him as a fighter and warrior.

For his part, White said he would visit the White House on Monday to meet with Trump and discuss the offer, without revealing further details. The US President confirmed that the meeting will indeed take place, but clarified that discussions will cover "other matters," according to the "Washington Post" newspaper.

Trump increased the controversy on Sunday after publishing an animated video depicting White in the role of White House spokesperson, alongside several UFC fighters who attack journalists inside the press conference hall following his instructions to do so.

The clip, which lasts about a minute, shows White hitting the podium and announcing that he has become the White House spokesperson, before ordering the fighters to attack journalists asking questions, ending the scenes with chaos inside the hall.

This controversy comes at a time when Trump's media team is experiencing repeated disturbances, as the position of White House spokesperson has remained effectively vacant since late August/Ab, following the resignation of Karoline Leavitt.

Trump had announced last month the appointment of Katie Zakharia as her successor, but she left the position after only five days, without settling into her duties, keeping the position a hub for speculation regarding the identity of its next occupant.

Dana White is considered one of Trump's closest associates, also known for his long-standing political support for him and his frequent appearances alongside him at events and public occasions.