No, Sage Steele is not “vying” for the role of press secretary in Donald Trump’s second administration in the White House.
The former ESPN host would do just that in a Axios report from earlier in the week. Bush White House aide Scott Jennings and model-turned-RNC spokesperson Elizabeth Pipko are also said to be vying for the job, Axios reported.
But according to Steele, one of many sports figures who supported Trump’s campaign, she will not fill the opening.
“I’m not sure how these rumors started that I’m ‘vying’ to be press secretary, but it’s definitely fake news!” Steele wrote on social media. “I haven’t had a conversation with anyone about that job, and I don’t want to!”
Steele, who left ESPN last year after settling a lawsuit with the network, made several campaign appearances in support of Trump in the lead-up to his Nov. 5 victory.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a town hall
Sage Steele left little doubt about her intentions when it comes to the role of press secretary
She is also an outspoken critic of trans athletes in women’s sports and of abortion rights, as Piers Morgan learned on a recent episode of his British talk show.
But despite her growing political consciousness, Steele isn’t tempted to serve as Trump’s go-between with reporters.
“Honestly, it was the honor of my life to be a small part of @TeamTrump during the campaign – something I NEVER imagined – but I believe in @realDonaldTrump @JDVance with all my heart
and I am excited to find ways to continue to serve.
‘It took me years before I wasn’t afraid to say something. That fear is gone forever and I hope others start to feel the same. [Let’s f***ing go]!’
Steele has made her political stance public in recent months after joining Trump’s campaign trail ahead of his election battle with Kamala Harris.
The 51-year-old has not been afraid to discuss her conservative views since leaving ESPN, which she says censored her freedom of speech.
Her initial suspension from the network came about in part because of her comments about former President Barack Obama, after she stated that she didn’t like him calling himself black because, like her, he has a white mother.
Steele also moderated one of Trump’s town halls last month, where the Republican candidate awkwardly called her the wrong name.
“Let’s have some fun, Paige,” Trump said immediately as his live town hall was about to begin. The Harris campaign immediately released the clip.