President Donald Trump said Sunday he was “only kidding” about suggesting UFC CEO Dana White could become his next White House press secretary. The comment came after Trump posted on social media earlier in the week, sparking speculation about the unusual nomination. Trump emphasized that the idea was not serious, though he noted White, a longtime supporter, “loves the idea” of taking the job.

The suggestion followed a series of posts where Trump appeared to offer the position to White, a prominent figure in the UFC organization. Multiple media outlets reported the same clarification, with Trump reiterating that the offer was a joke. The remarks were made in the context of political tensions as Democrats prepared to take control of Congress.

This is not the first time Trump has made off-the-cuff remarks about potential appointments. His tendency to blur the line between serious and humorous statements has been a recurring theme in his public communication. The UFC boss, Dana White, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, often expressing admiration for his leadership style.

The clarification comes amid ongoing political maneuvering ahead of the congressional transition. Trump’s comments were seen by some as a way to signal a combative stance toward the incoming Democratic majority. However, the joke was quickly dismissed by critics and analysts, who noted the unusual nature of the suggestion.