Trump to Attend Rescheduled WHCA Dinner Amid Heightened Security

President Donald Trump will attend the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Friday evening. This event follows after the initial dinner was abruptly halted due to a shooting incident that led to the evacuation of the president and others. The dinner will now take place at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, diverging from its usual venue at the Washington Hilton. Attendees typically include politicians, journalists, media executives, and celebrities. C-SPAN plans to stream the event live starting at 6 p.m. ET.

How to Watch Live

C-SPAN will provide comprehensive coverage of the arrivals, interviews, and speeches beginning at 6 p.m. You can access the live stream on C-SPAN’s website and television coverage.

Reason for Rescheduling

The July event acts as a continuation of the dinner initially scheduled for April 25. That occasion ended in chaos when gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, crossed security checkpoints with a weapon while Trump was present. Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated the president, causing the event to be stopped. Allen faces several charges, including attempted assassination-related counts. He pled not guilty to all charges. WHCA President Weijia Jiang expressed the association’s resolve not to let violence overshadow or define the dinner’s purpose and mission, which supports press freedom and journalism. The rescheduled dinner involves enhanced security measures and new access procedures.

“We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word,” Jiang stated when announcing the event’s rescheduling.

Entertainment for the Evening

The dinner will feature Oz Pearlman, a renowned mentalist, instead of a traditional comedian. Pearlman was performing near the presidential table when the April incident occurred. The association’s choice to book a mentalist is a shift from the event’s tradition of comedic roasts directed at politicians and journalists.

Attendees

White House officials confirm Trump’s attendance. He will be accompanied by senior administration figures, including Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and several others. Notably, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to miss the event due to other commitments. Besides government officials, journalists, WHCA scholarship recipients, award winners, and media executives will also be present. The WHCA has raised funds to assist scholarship recipients in attending the postponed event. Trump’s rare appearance at the event, traditionally attended by media and government personalities, carries significance as he often skipped these gatherings during his first term. His attendance Friday highlights a celebration of the First Amendment and symbolizes the gathering’s perseverance despite past violence.

Need for a White House Ballroom

The administration interpreted the April shooting as an assassination attempt against the president. They argue that holding future events in a new White House ballroom could enhance security. Trump announced plans in July 2025 for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. He emphasized the need for a secure venue for significant events. The ballroom initiative is part of the East Wing Modernization Project. The US Justice Department echoed the need for improved security at the White House. The proposed ballroom construction will rely on private donations, avoiding taxpayer expenses.

Contact Newsweek editors for more information: Jason Lemon and Dave Siminoff.