President Donald Trump announced that he plans to attend the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, signaling an end to his years long boycott of the annual event that he frequently criticized during and after his first term in office.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump framed his decision as part of the broader celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. He also praised his record in office and suggested that media attitudes toward him have shifted.
“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!” Trump wrote.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, typically held each spring in Washington, D.C., brings together journalists, administration officials, lawmakers, and invited guests. The evening traditionally features remarks from the president and a performance by a featured comedian, blending humor with commentary about politics and the press. Over the decades, it has come to symbolize the often complicated relationship between the presidency and the media.
Trump did not attend the dinner at any point during his first term, becoming the first president in decades to skip the event entirely while in office. At the time, he criticized major news outlets, accusing them of biased and unfair coverage and frequently referring to unfavorable media as fake news.
In his latest post, Trump referenced that history, saying his previous absence stemmed from hostile media treatment. “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,” he wrote.
It was not immediately clear whether Trump has formally accepted an invitation from the association or whether final details for the dinner have been announced. The White House Correspondents’ Association had not publicly commented on Trump’s statement at the time of his post.
If Trump attends, it would mark a notable shift in tone from his earlier posture toward the event and the press corps more broadly. The dinner is expected to draw heightened attention this year, given Trump’s remarks and the backdrop of preparations for the nation’s upcoming celebrations.
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