Former ESPN star Sage Steele bluntly denies Trump administration rumors: ‘Fake news’

Sage Steele has called “fake news” on a report that claimed she was gunning to be the press secretary for the Trump administration.

Axios reported earlier this week that Steele was “vying” for the role.

In a post on X on Thursday, Steele denied that this was the case.

“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.

“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. 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!”

Steele, who currently hosts a show on Bill Maher’s podcast network, was one of six names listed as candidates by Axios in the report.

Before the election, Steele stumped for president-elect Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.

In 2023, Steele left ESPN after 15 years at the network, where roles included the host of “NBA Countdown” and “SportsCenter.”

Her exit followed a contentious lawsuit against the network and parent company Disney, alleging that the company infringed on her free speech rights.

“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 last August.

“I am grateful for so many wonderful experiences over the past 16 years and am excited for my next chapter!”