Trump to Attend First White House Correspondents’ Dinner as President After Years of Boycotting

**Donald Trump to Attend White House Correspondents’ Dinner for the First Time as President**

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) on April 25th, marking his first appearance at the annual event since taking office. Trump had consistently boycotted the dinner during his first term and did not attend last year’s gathering, despite being in office.

In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump, who is 79 years old, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the event, indicating that it would be a remarkable occasion. “It will be my honour to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER!” he wrote. Trump’s remarks also highlighted his history of discontent with media coverage, stating, “Because the Press was extraordinarily bad to me, FAKE NEWS ALL, right from the beginning of my First Term, I boycotted the event, and never went as Honoree. However, I look forward to being with everyone this year. Hopefully, it will be something very Special.”

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), which has hosted the dinner for over a century, welcomed Trump’s acceptance. WHCA president Wijia Jiang, who serves as a senior White House correspondent for CBS News, commented on the significance of the event. Jiang noted that the dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the First Amendment and honour excellent journalism while also supporting scholarships for aspiring reporters.

Trump’s announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions abroad, particularly following the launch of “Operation Epic Fury” by U.S. forces in response to the escalating situation in Iran, which has already resulted in the deaths of four American service members since its initiation on February 28. While Trump’s decision to attend may seem separate from these international developments, it illustrates the complexities surrounding his leadership and public appearances.

The 2026 WHCD is set to feature mentalist Oz Pearlman as the headline entertainer, deviating from the traditional format that usually includes a comedian. Jiang has indicated that Pearlman’s performance will provide an intriguing insight into the thoughts and perspectives of Washington’s key figures.

This upcoming dinner represents a significant moment for Trump, as he had made history during his first term by becoming the first sitting president not to attend a WHCD since its establishment in 1921. Last year, he also skipped the first dinner of his second term, opting instead to attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome. Reports suggest he may have had no intention of attending even prior to the pope’s passing.

It was at the 2011 dinner that Trump faced some mockery, particularly from then-President Barack Obama and comedian Seth Meyers, who poked fun at his role in promoting the “birther” conspiracy theory pertaining to Obama’s citizenship. Years later, when questioned about whether the roast influenced his decision to enter politics, Trump responded, “There are many reasons I’m running, but that’s not one of them.”

As the April event approaches, the WHCA and journalists alike are eager to see how the former president engages in an event typically characterised by its humorous jabs at both the press and the administration.

Trump’s attendance could prove to be a contentious yet compelling aspect of the evening. It remains to be seen how he will navigate the event’s social dynamics and the media’s response. Looking ahead, there is curiosity about whether Trump’s approach will reflect a more reconciliatory attitude towards the press, or if he will continue his longstanding criticism of what he describes as “fake news.”

As preparations continue for this year’s gathering, expectations are mounting for a memorable evening, both for those in attendance and for viewers at home. The WHCD has always been about more than just entertainment; it underscores the vital relationship between the press and the presidency, regardless of the personal feelings involved.