Trump says he was joking about offering press secretary job to UFC's Dana White

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he offered the White House press secretary position to UFC CEO Dana White, accompanied by images of White and UFC fighters. Trump described White as a "violent Fighter and Warrior" and suggested White bring assistants, including several UFC fighters, to defend against political opponents, according to reports from WWMT and KCBY.

The posts included a "Family Guy"-style cartoon depicting White as press secretary with UFC fighters confronting reporters in the briefing room. Trump later told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, that he was only kidding about the offer and that the fighters mentioned come from various rough areas outside the U.S.

Trump said he believed Dana White liked the idea and described him as "a very capable guy," but emphasized the offer was just for fun. The clarification came after some internet users speculated about a mix-up involving another Dana White, Dana W. White, who has experience as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson and in political communications.

Dana W. White took to social media to clarify the confusion, stating she was not the Dana White offered the press secretary role and that she has never stood in an octagon, according to Alternet. This mix-up added to the public discussion surrounding the announcement.

The incident highlights the unusual nature of the announcement and the rapid spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Trump’s comments and posts were made while he was returning to Washington, DC, from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

What we're watching: How the White House will address future communications to avoid confusion and clarify official appointments.