President Donald Trump attended the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, where he delivered a speech that lasted over an hour, praising some journalists while taking potshots at others. The dinner, initially scheduled for April, was postponed due to a shooting incident, but Trump returned to the event, promising to come back next year as well.

White House Correspondents' Dinner Background

The White House Correspondents' Association dinner has been a long-standing tradition, celebrating a free press and the vital role of journalism in democracy, with this year's event being attended by around 700 people, amidst tightened security. The dinner featured awards presentations, including ones for bravery during the April shooting, with winners such as Tyler Pager of the New York Times, who was previously subpoenaed by Trump's Justice Department.

Trump's speech was marked by his characteristic humor, with jokes about public figures' weight and intellect, as well as remarks about a potential third presidential term, which is barred by the U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment. He also expressed pride in the ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, formerly the Trump International Hotel, saying, "It's great to be back at a place that I know very well, because I built it."

Media Tensions and Journalism Awards

The dinner took place amidst increasing tensions between the media and the Trump administration, with the president having attacked, sued, and taken administrative action against media outlets since his second term began. The awards presented at the dinner recognized stories challenging Trump and his administration, with the president noting, "Do I have a say in those awards?" and making a grimace.

The event also featured a dress code of "black tie optional," with dinner including grilled peach and burrata salad, lobster, and beef Wellington, and entertainment by mentalist Oz Pearlman. The evening was marked by a mix of humor and tension, with Trump ending his speech by saying, "I have a lot of respect for your profession," and declaring, "When I'm not around, you're all gonna be broke."

What's Next for the White House Correspondents' Association

The rescheduled dinner was seen as an opportunity for the White House Correspondents' Association to celebrate its role in promoting a free press and democracy, with outgoing president Weijia Jiang emphasizing the importance of the event. As the association looks to the future, it will be worth watching how the relationship between the media and the Trump administration evolves, particularly in light of the president's promise to return to the dinner next year.

  • White House Correspondents' Association dinner attendance: around 700 people
  • Number of awards presented: several, including ones for bravery during the April shooting
  • Notable attendees: President Donald Trump, Weijia Jiang, Tyler Pager, and other journalists and officials