UFC CEO Dana White says he isn’t concerned about the possibility of a Democratic-led congressional investigation tied to his close relationship with President Donald Trump. He expects Democrats to scrutinize him, but says he has done nothing illegal or improper.
Asked whether he was worried about being targeted, White said he had anticipated the possibility. He added that he has nothing to hide and sees no reason to be concerned.
The comments come as Democrats shape their oversight plans after the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, set to lead the House Oversight Committee, recently urged Trump administration officials and allies to prepare for possible investigations.
White, a longtime Trump supporter, joined the president in the White House briefing room on Monday. He described the visit as an extraordinary experience, saying he had been taken directly to the press room after arriving at the White House. The past two days, he said, had been unusual and intense.
Trump had posted on Nov. 7 that he offered White the job of White House press secretary after Katie Zacharia’s departure. The post drew attention, but Trump and White addressed it during Monday’s briefing, with Trump saying he had been joking.
Trump told reporters he had mentioned White’s name during what he considered a difficult day for the press and that the comment was later reported as a serious offer. White said he has no political ambitions. He was at a Zuffa Boxing event in London when Trump called him about the post, and the following day had been hectic, he said.
White’s relationship with Trump has attracted attention for several years. He has spoken at the past three Republican National Conventions and worked with the White House on UFC Freedom 250, an event planned for the South Lawn and described as the first professional sporting event to be held at the presidential residence.
