President Donald Trump announced Monday he will attend and speak at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April, ending his years-long boycott of the event.
"The White House Correspondents Association has asked me, very nicely, to be the Honoree at this year's Dinner," Trump posted on Truth Social. "It will be my great Honor to accept their invitation."
The decision marks a significant shift in his approach to the long-running Washington event, often nicknamed "Washington's prom." Held since 1924, the dinner traditionally brings together journalists, government officials, and celebrities for an evening of political satire, speeches on press freedom, and First Amendment tributes.
Trump previously attended the dinner as a guest in 2011 under President Barack Obama, when Obama’s sharp jokes at Trump’s expense became a memorable moment in political culture.
The event faced major controversy in 2018 after comedian Michelle Wolf’s biting roast targeted Trump, his administration, and the press, drawing backlash from some journalists and officials. In response, the WHCA shifted away from comedians for several years, choosing speakers focused on journalism and public service instead.