Trump says he WILL attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after snubbing it for years
Trump Set to Attend White House Correspondents’ Dinner Following Years of Absence
President Donald Trump has confirmed his participation in this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, marking a return after years of skipping the event. The gathering, traditionally attended by Washington leaders and Hollywood figures, will take place in late April.
“In honor of our Nation’s 250th Birthday, and the fact that these ‘Correspondents’ now admit that I am truly one of the Greatest Presidents in the History of our Country, the G.O.A.T., according to many, it will be my Honor to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER!”
The dinner, established in the 1920s under President Calvin Coolidge, has been a staple of the political calendar. Trump, however, became the first leader to decline attendance annually since its inception.
A History of Disengagement
Trump’s decision to withdraw from the event stemmed from his criticism of the press corps, whom he labeled “FAKE NEWS ALL” from the start of his first term. He boycotted the affair, choosing not to appear as an honored guest.
Before his 2017 inauguration, Trump had participated in the dinner multiple times, including in 2015. His absence since taking office contrasted sharply with his earlier presence, despite the event’s reputation as a celebrity hotspot.
Obama’s Jabs and Trump’s Response
During the 2011 dinner, President Barack Obama humorously targeted Trump, a moment some in his inner circle claim inspired Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Obama quipped about Trump’s experience leading The Apprentice, suggesting it might not prepare him for the White House.
“For example, on a recent episode of Celebrity Apprentice, at the steakhouse, the men’s cooking team did not impress the men from Omaha Steaks,” Obama remarked. “And there was lots of blame to go around, but you, Mr. Trump, recognized that the real problem was a lack of leadership. And so ultimately you didn’t blame Lil Jon or Meatloaf, you fired Gary Busey.”
Obama concluded with a lighthearted endorsement: “These are the kinds of decisions that keep me up at night. Well handled, sir, well handled.”
Celebrity Guests and Press Corps
The dinner has long attracted A-list stars, including Lindsay Lohan in 2012 and Ariana Maddix alongside Lisa Vanderpump in 2023. Scarlett Johansson, wife of comedian Colin Jost, was seated in the audience in 2024, adding to the event’s celebrity allure.
President Joe Biden, who attended every year it was held, missed the 2021 edition due to the ongoing pandemic. Meanwhile, Trump’s approach to the event shifted in 2020, when it was canceled amid the crisis.
