Trump to Attend White House Correspondents’ Dinner 2026, Ending Long Boycott

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will attend and speak at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) annual dinner in April, marking a significant shift after years of boycotting the high-profile media event. The announcement signals a notable moment in Trump’s complex relationship with the press and the Washington political establishment.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the White House Correspondents’ Association had “very nicely” invited him to serve as the honoree at this year’s dinner. Calling it his “Honor to accept,” Trump confirmed he will participate in the gathering after previously skipping the event throughout his first term and again last year. His absence in prior years underscored longstanding tensions between his administration and major media organizations.

Often referred to as “Washington’s prom,” the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been a fixture of the capital’s political culture since 1924. The annual event brings together journalists, government officials, celebrities, and business leaders for an evening that blends political satire with speeches highlighting press freedom and the First Amendment. Traditionally, the sitting U.S. president delivers remarks, often mixing humor with commentary on current events.

Trump has frequently criticized the dinner, describing it in the past as elitist and biased against his administration. He has also publicly challenged mainstream media outlets and encouraged supporters to question traditional news institutions. Despite his previous boycott as president, Trump attended the dinner as a guest in 2011 during former President Barack Obama’s administration. That year, Obama delivered widely publicized jokes aimed at Trump, a moment that became a lasting part of modern political history.

The event has faced its own controversies, notably in 2018 when comedian Michelle Wolf delivered a pointed performance targeting Trump, members of his administration, and the media. In response to backlash, the WHCA shifted away from comedians in subsequent years, focusing instead on speakers who emphasize journalism and public service.

Trump’s planned appearance at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner is expected to draw national attention, potentially reshaping the tone of the longstanding media and political tradition.