US President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, set for July 24. He announced his decision through a post on Truth Social.
The annual black-tie event, traditionally held in Washington, was postponed following a security breach on April 25. On that day, a suspect fired a shotgun outside the venue after bypassing a checkpoint, prompting the safe evacuation of Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
In a letter addressed to WHCA members, the association’s president and CBS News correspondent Weijia Jiang emphasized that rescheduling the event was not automatic. The upcoming dinner will feature significantly enhanced security protocols and revised access procedures. Jiang also described the gathering as a more intimate occasion, with fundraising efforts ensuring that ticket holders will not face financial strain.
Trump revealed that Jiang personally invited him to attend and speak at the event, an invitation he accepted. He also hinted at uncertainty over whether he would deliver the typically sharp remarks he is known for, leaving the audience to anticipate his approach.
The dinner will take place at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, a venue previously owned and developed by the Trump Organization.
The WHCA dinner is a longstanding Washington tradition that supports journalism scholarships and celebrates First Amendment rights. For over a century, the event has featured presidents delivering humorous or critical commentary about the press.
Trump’s history with the dinner has often been contentious due to his frequent criticism of the media. Notably, former President Barack Obama humorously roasted Trump at the 2011 WHCA dinner, when Trump attended as a businessman and television personality.
