The curious case of Dana White(s)? Internet speculates after Donald Trump's job offer to UFC boss

Following US President Donald Trump's offer of White House press secretary's job to UFC head Dana White, social media users quickly found another Dana White and made theories that the announcement could be a massive mix-up.

The internet-based theory has gone viral on social media. One of the most widespread posts came from Spencer T Hakimian, founder of New York-based hedge fund Tolou Capital Management.

He posted a video about Dana W White, a former Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Pentagon Chief Spokesperson under Secretary James Mattis from January 20, 2017, to December 31, 2018, during Donald Trump’s first term.

In the video on Instagram, he joked, "I guarantee you 100%, somebody recommended her to Trump and he mistook her for the UFC's Dana White and now we all are in this mess."

Additionally, American journalist and podcast host Vitus Spehar, known as V Spehar from the TikTok account UnderTheDeskNews, also added fuel to the conversation.

Trump says he wants UFC chief Dana White for White House press secretary

In an Instagram post, they wrote, "How bad do you think Donald Trump is gonna flip out when he realises that the Dana White being proposed as the next Press Secretary for him is not Dana White, the UFC President."

The video described Dana as a longterm journalist and communications professional who also worked at the Heritage Foundation.

They also noted that she served as Assistant Secretary of Defense under General James Mattis during Trump's first term.

What's happening?

The namesake conversation began after Trump offered the White House press secretary position to UFC CEO Dana White, his longtime friend and supporter, in a social media post on Saturday.

White on Saturday said that he will be travelling to Washington D.C from London to meet Trump but did not provide further details.

"I've got a lot of jobs already," White said at the post-fight news conference for Saturday's Zuffa Boxing 12 event.

"We have a meeting on Monday, so I'm sure I'll have more to talk about after that."

White also posted an image of himself at the White House press briefing podium on his Instagram story with the comment, "On to the next chapter."

However, CNN had earlier reported that White could decline the offer.

The White House press secretary post has been vacant since Katie Zacharia was fired from the position after just five days in the role.

"I am pleased to announce that the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior, has been offered the job of Press Secretary of the United States," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"I have requested that he bring with him assistants, even though some are not from our Country, of Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harris," Trump added, referring to UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. "We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job! President DONALD J. TRUMP"

Karoline Leavitt was press secretary until leaving the role in August after the birth of her second child.

Trump has been a regular attendee of UFC events, including bringing a fight card to the White House's South Lawn in June. UFC Freedom 250 celebrated the country's 250th anniversary as well as Trump's 80th birthday.

Trump has worked with White since the Trump Taj Mahal casino hosted a UFC event in 2001. White has spoken in support of Trump, including speeches at the Republican National Convention in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

(With agency inputs)