President Donald Trump said he plans to attend the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, ending a yearslong boycott of the annual event that he frequently criticized during and after his first term.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump framed his decision as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations and touted his record in office.
“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, brings together journalists, administration officials, and invited guests for an evening that traditionally includes remarks from the president and a featured comedian.
The event has long been viewed as a symbol of the relationship between the presidency and the press, often mixing lighthearted jokes with pointed commentary.
Trump did not attend the dinner during his first term, becoming the first president in decades to skip the event for the entirety of his presidency. At the time, he repeatedly criticized major media outlets, accusing them of biased and unfair coverage.
In his latest post, Trump referenced that history, saying his absence was driven by what he described as hostile reporting.
“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 White House Correspondents’ Association or whether details of the event have been finalized. The association had not yet publicly commented on Trump’s announcement.
If he attends, the appearance would mark a notable shift in tone from his previous stance toward the dinner and the press corps more broadly. Trump has continued to criticize news organizations throughout his political career, frequently using the term “fake news” to describe coverage he disputes.
The dinner is expected to draw significant attention given Trump’s remarks and the symbolic timing alongside preparations for the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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