Sage Steele has made it clear that she has no interest in becoming the press secretary for the Trump administration, firmly denying a recent report that suggested otherwise. Earlier this week, Axios reported that Steele was “vying” for the position, sparking widespread speculation about her political aspirations. On Thursday, Steele took to social media to set the record straight.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Steele dismissed the claims made in the report and described them as “fake news.”
“Not sure how these rumors began about me ‘vying’ to be Press Secretary, but it’s definitely fake news! I haven’t had a single conversation with anyone about that job, and have no desire to do so!” Steele wrote. She made it clear that while she had been involved in Trump’s campaign, becoming press secretary was never part of her plans.
Steele elaborated on her involvement with Donald Trump’s campaign, describing it as an unexpected but rewarding experience. “Honestly, it was the honor of a lifetime to be a small part of @TeamTrump during the campaign—something I NEVER imagined—but I wholeheartedly believe in @realDonaldTrump @JDVance & am excited to find ways to continue to serve,” Steele wrote. She added that her newfound confidence in speaking out without fear is something she hopes others can embrace as well: “It took me years to not be afraid to speak up. That fear is gone forever, and I hope others are beginning to feel the same. LFG!”
The Axios report listed Steele as one of six potential candidates for the role of press secretary, sparking a swirl of rumors about her possible involvement in the new Trump administration. Steele, however, made it clear that she has no intentions of pursuing such a role and emphasized that she hasn’t had any discussions regarding the job.
Steele’s recent support for Trump came as she stumped for the president-elect in Pennsylvania during his campaign, adding to the speculation that she was considering a more formal role within his administration. Despite her active campaigning, Steele seems content to keep her involvement informal and focused on supporting Trump’s vision.
Steele’s path to becoming a political figure began after a long career in sports media, where she was well-known for her time at ESPN. She joined ESPN in 2007 and spent 15 years as one of the network’s most recognizable personalities, hosting popular programs such as NBA Countdown and SportsCenter. However, her time at the sports network came to an end in 2023 after a highly publicized legal battle.
The former ESPN anchor left the network following a contentious lawsuit against ESPN and its parent company, Disney, alleging that her free speech rights had been infringed upon. Steele, who had previously spoken out against certain company policies and mandates, argued that she faced backlash and career limitations as a result of expressing her views.
After reaching a settlement with ESPN and Disney, Steele decided to move on, embracing the opportunity to speak more freely.
“Having successfully settled my case with ESPN/Disney, I have decided to leave so I can exercise my first amendment rights more freely,” Steele wrote in August after announcing her departure from the company. She expressed gratitude for her time at ESPN, highlighting the many memorable experiences she had during her 16-year tenure. “I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!” she added.
Since leaving ESPN, Steele has been exploring new opportunities in the media landscape. She currently hosts a show on Bill Maher’s podcast network, allowing her to continue engaging in thoughtful and uncensored discussions. The move has given Steele a platform to openly discuss current events and express her views without the restrictions she faced during her time at ESPN.
While Steele has stepped away from her role in mainstream sports media, her influence remains significant. Her willingness to be vocal about her beliefs has made her a prominent figure beyond sports, and her involvement in political activities has only added to her visibility.
However, despite her support for Donald Trump and her presence on the campaign trail, Steele has made it abundantly clear that she is not interested in taking on the official role of White House press secretary.
The former ESPN star is determined to continue using her voice on her own terms, without being tied to an official government role.
Whether it’s through her podcast or through her continued political support, Sage Steele appears ready to enter this next chapter of her career with the same boldness and authenticity that have defined her career thus far.
As Steele moves forward, she’s sure to remain a notable voice in both media and political circles. For now, however, the rumors of her becoming press secretary can be put to rest—she has no desire to pursue that path, preferring instead to explore other ways to make an impact and speak freely on issues that matter to her.
