Trump springs last-minute briefing with Dana White, jokes he’ll “beat the hell out of” reporters

Trump brought UFC CEO Dana White to a surprise White House briefing and offered him the press secretary job, which White declined.

President Trump surprised journalists with a last-minute press briefing on Monday featuring UFC CEO Dana White, warning them “he’s going to beat the hell out of you,” the New York Post reports. Trump brought White to the briefing room after floating him over the weekend as a possible next White House press secretary. “A lot of people think he’ll be our new press secretary,” Trump said. White joked, “I’ve always wanted to do this. Who has the first question?” while clarifying he had no “political aspirations.” Asked about pardoning Pete Rose, White said, “I think it’s fair to pardon Pete Rose.”

Trump concurred: “I think Pete Rose was very mistreated.” The briefing concluded with Trump offering White the position. “Would you like to be press secretary of the United States of America?” Trump asked. “Thank you for the offer, sir. I do not want to be in politics,” White replied. “I am devastated to hear this. Goodbye, everybody,” Trump said.