US President Donald Trump is set to speak at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner on Friday, July 24, 2026, nearly three months after a shooting incident cut the original event short. The black-tie gathering, which includes journalists, politicians, and administration officials, was initially held at the Washington Hilton hotel but was abruptly ended on April 25 when a man fired a shotgun outside the ballroom as Trump and his cabinet members were taking their seats.

The suspect, Cole Allen, pleaded not guilty in May to charges including attempting to assassinate the president. Trump was wearing a protective vest during the incident and was the only person injured. The WHCA also announced that Washington Hilton staff who assisted guests during the event will be recognized.

The rescheduled dinner will take place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel under heightened security measures. WHCA President Weijia Jiang stated the event "will be a statement that violence has no place in American life and a free press will not be intimidated into silence."

Following the shooting, Trump emphasized the need for a $400 million ballroom to be built at the White House, arguing that hosting such events there would enhance presidential security. The April incident marked Trump's first presidential appearance at the correspondents' dinner. Despite tensions with the media, Trump has provided reporters with more direct access than recent presidents, including taking questions during open-ended public appearances and speaking regularly with journalists by phone.

Sources