White House press secretary post remains vacant after Zacharia’s departure
President Donald Trump said Sunday in West Palm Beach, Fla., that he was only kidding about making UFC boss Dana White his next White House press secretary after announcing on social media that he had offered White the job.
“I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea, and he is a very capable guy,” Trump said to reporters in Florida before departing for the White House.
Trump had posted on Saturday that he had offered the position to White, his close friend. On Sunday, Trump said it was “just a little fun.” White is set to visit Trump at the White House on Monday.
The exchange came after Trump’s party posted deep losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections. Historic wins by Democratic candidates, including in areas Republicans had held for decades, led the GOP to lose control of both chambers of Congress.
Trump began a broader administration shake-up Friday by naming longtime aide Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. The Associated Press described Miller as the architect of the administration’s hardline immigration policies.
Trump did not currently have a White House press secretary. Katie Zacharia had briefly held the job before leaving the post after five days; the Associated Press reported that she faltered behind the lectern and in interviews.
Stephen Miller had replaced Susie Wiles as chief of staff, while the press secretary role remained open after Zacharia’s departure. White’s Monday visit at the White House remained scheduled.