Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Trump eyes Ivanka for bizarre new White House gig despite her swearing off politics

‘When he called me and asked me to do it, he said: 'I want Ivanka in the middle of this,'’ UFC CEO Dana White said

Madeline Sherratt
Wednesday 13 August 2025 09:55 EDT
Comments
Related: Donald Trump attends UFC fight with granddaughter Kai

President Trump reportedly wants his daughter to take on a bizarre new White House role despite her swearing off her involvement in politics.

Ivanka Trump has remained steadily in the shadows of her father’s orbit since his reelection for a second term last November.

However, UFC CEO Dana White says Trump wants to get her involved with plans for a cage fight on the White House lawn.

“When [Trump] called me and asked me to do it, he said, ‘I want Ivanka in the middle of this,’” White told CBS Mornings. “So Ivanka reached out to me, and her and I started talking about the possibilities, where it would be and, you know, I put together all the renderings.”

Ivanka Trump, 43, will speak Thursday about access to fresh produce at the Heartland Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas. She now has a new White House role despite saying she is no longer involved in politics.
Ivanka Trump, 43, will speak Thursday about access to fresh produce at the Heartland Summit in Bentonville, Arkansas. She now has a new White House role despite saying she is no longer involved in politics. (Getty)

Ivanka has yet to comment on the idea, however she has sat cage-side with her father at multiple fights.

White’s relationship with the president dates back to the early 2000s, when Trump hosted some of the first-ever UFC events at his exclusive properties.

He confirmed to CBS that talks took place with the president Monday night, announcing that the fight would be held on July 4, 2026.

Trump, who has attended several UFC fights, said the event would be one of many celebratory acts to unfold to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

UFC CEO Dana White (left) has confirmed that President Trump has given the go-ahead for a cage fight on the grounds of the White House
UFC CEO Dana White (left) has confirmed that President Trump has given the go-ahead for a cage fight on the grounds of the White House (AFP/Getty)

Ivanka’s potential involvement would mark a significant return following a three-year hiatus, during which she has appeared to prioritize her two children and husband, Jared Kushner.

“I love my father very much. This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics,” she stated in a 2022 social media post after she confessed she “hates” politics.

The mother-of-three and Kushner played a central role in Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Both were made advisors to Trump when he took over the White House in 2017.

However, following Trump’s tumultuous 2020 presidential election and the infamous Capitol Hill riots, Ivanka opted to sit out on his second run.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in