Trump says he's kidding about making Dana White next press secretary

US President Donald Trump, who shook up his administration by replacing his chief of staff Susie Wiles, clarified he was "kidding" about naming his close friend and UFC boss Dana White as his next press secretary.

Trump told reporters that the job offer was "just a little fun" but he is meeting with White at the White House on Monday all the same.

"So I was kidding, but I think Dana likes the idea, and he is a very capable guy. So he's actually coming tomorrow. Of course, I was kidding. And you could see that because I put all of the great fighters as his assistants that they're all going to come with him. But, it was just a little fun," said Trump.

The position has been vacant for about half a month.

Katie Zacharia left after serving just five days in the role as she faced ridicule for faltering behind the lectern and her legal credential controversy.