Sage Steele criticized reports that Trump is aiming to become press secretary for the Trump administration, calling them “fake news.”
Axios reported earlier this week Steele was “in contention” for the role.
Steele denied that was the case in a post Thursday in X magazine.
“I don't know how the rumor that I'm 'vying' for the press secretary position started, but it's definitely fake news! I've never talked to anyone about the job, and… I don’t feel like talking,” Steele wrote.
“Honestly, it was the honor of a lifetime to be a part of @TeamTrump during the campaign – something I never imagined – but I truly believe in @realDonaldTrump @JDVance and will continue to serve. I'm excited to find a way. It took me years to stop being afraid to speak up. I hope that fear is gone forever and that others are starting to feel the same way. LFG!
Steele, who currently hosts a show on Bill Maher's Podcast Network, was one of six names Axios named as potential candidates in its report.
Before the election, Steele stumbled in supporting President-elect Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
Steele left ESPN in 2023 after 15 years with the company, including hosting “NBA Countdown'' and “SportsCenter.''
Her exit came after a controversial lawsuit against the network and parent company Disney, alleging the company violated her free speech rights.
“Now that the lawsuit with ESPN/Disney has been successfully resolved, I have decided to retire so that I can more freely exercise my First Amendment rights,” Steele wrote last August.
“I am grateful for the many wonderful experiences I have had over the past 16 years and am excited for the next chapter.”
