WASHINGTON — A recently shared animated video on social media by U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism and intense debate across American media outlets.

The approximately one-minute clip, posted on Truth Social, depicts the White House briefing room flanked by imposing mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. UFC CEO Dana White stands at the center, introducing himself as the newly appointed White House press secretary.

In the animation, when journalists press White with difficult questions, he calls upon the fighters, who proceed to physically subdue and drag away the reporters. As journalists protest, shouting "fascism," they are quickly left scattered across the floor. President Trump then enters, asking, "How was the briefing?" White responds, "Fiery, but mostly peaceful." Trump expresses satisfaction, saying "Wonderful," before taking a sip of cola.

According to The Hill, the animation is rendered in a style reminiscent of the sitcom Family Guy. The video also features a controversial moment where a reporter asks about a potential 2028 presidential run by Michelle Obama, to which a fighter responds with an inflammatory remark. This echoes a real-life incident from June, when UFC heavyweight Josh Hokett made a similar derogatory comment during an interview on the White House lawn.

The video follows Trump’s social media announcement naming White—a longtime ally and 25-year friend—as his choice for press secretary. Trump also joked or proposed bringing in prominent MMA stars such as Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Kayla Harrison as "staff members," describing the fighters as those who will "protect us from the deranged left."

Media analysts and political commentators are divided on whether the appointment offer to White is a genuine political move or a stunt. White reportedly rushed back from the UK to meet with Trump at the White House.

This controversy underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and the press. Trump has a long history of a contentious relationship with media organizations, recently moving to restrict access for several journalists and attributing political setbacks to what he terms biased reporting.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]