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

Donald Trump has announced he will attend this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, reversing a years-long boycott that began during his first term in office. The former president posted the news on his Truth Social account, framing the invitation as a recognition of his status as “truly one of the Greatest Presidents in the History of our Country, the G.O.A.T., according to many.” The dinner, a long-standing tradition dating back to 1924, will be held this year as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.

Trump’s decision marks a significant shift in his relationship with the press, which he frequently criticized as “fake news” throughout his presidency. He notably skipped the WHCA dinner during his four years in office, and at times held competing events. This year’s attendance, he stated, is “in honor of our Nation’s 250th Birthday” and a response to the press “now admit[ting] that I am truly one of the Greatest Presidents.”

A History of Boycotts and Norm-Breaking

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has historically been a bipartisan event, with presidents from Calvin Coolidge onward typically attending. As The Guardian reported in April 2025, Trump’s absence mirrored a broader pattern of challenging established norms and antagonizing the media. His boycott began in 2017, and he continued to brand the press as “the enemy of the people.” The only president to not attend at least one WHCA dinner was Donald Trump.

The WHCA, founded in February 1914, operates independently of the White House and is responsible for credentialing journalists who cover the U.S. Executive branch. According to the White House Correspondents’ Association’s Wikipedia page, the organization was established in response to concerns about potential congressional interference in press access to President Woodrow Wilson. In February 2025, the White House announced a change in policy, removing the WHCA’s role in determining which outlets are granted access to the president – a move that preceded Trump’s announcement to attend the dinner.

The Dinner’s Evolution and Trump’s Relationship with the Press

The WHCA dinner has evolved over the years from a more formal affair to one that includes a comedic performance. In 2006, Stephen Colbert’s performance at the dinner, while controversial, highlighted the potential for satire and political commentary. But, Trump’s relationship with the press has been markedly different. He frequently attacked journalists and news organizations, accusing them of bias and spreading “fake news.” This animosity led to his decision to boycott the dinner and hold alternative events.

Joe Biden, upon entering office, sought to restore some of the traditional norms surrounding the WHCA dinner, including delivering humorous speeches. However, Trump’s continued absence signaled his ongoing disapproval of the media establishment. The decision to attend this year’s dinner represents a potential thawing of that relationship, though his Truth Social post suggests he still views the invitation as a validation of his presidency.

What’s Confirmed, and What Remains Unclear

Currently confirmed is Trump’s intention to attend the WHCA dinner. His post on Truth Social is the primary source of this information. However, details surrounding his participation – such as whether he will deliver remarks or engage with the press – remain unclear. This proves also unknown whether other members of his former administration will attend.

There has been no official statement from the White House Correspondents’ Association regarding Trump’s attendance beyond the initial invitation. Further details about the event, including the comedian scheduled to perform, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The withdrawal of comedian Amber Ruffin as a potential performer last month adds another layer of uncertainty to the event’s planning.

The Stakes for Legacy Media and the Maga Ecosystem

Trump’s presence at the WHCA dinner arrives at a particularly fraught moment for the media landscape. As The Guardian noted, the event is likely to be a “gloomy affair” amid ongoing attacks on the press and the rise of the “Maga media ecosystem.” The dinner will be closely watched as a barometer of the relationship between the former president and the media, and as a reflection of the challenges facing legacy news organizations in a rapidly changing media environment.

The event’s potential for awkwardness is high, given Trump’s history of animosity towards many of the journalists in attendance. His presence could also provide a platform for him to further promote his narrative about the “fake news” media and to rally his supporters. The WHCA will likely face scrutiny over its decision to invite Trump, and the event itself will be subject to intense media coverage.

What Comes Next

The immediate next step is for the White House Correspondents’ Association to finalize the details of the dinner, including the program and security arrangements. The organization will also likely be preparing for potential protests or disruptions. Trump’s attendance will undoubtedly influence the event’s tone and dynamics, and it remains to be seen how the press will respond to his presence. Further announcements regarding the event are expected in the coming weeks, as the date approaches.