Washington’s most famous black-tie gathering is back on the calendar.
The White House Correspondents’ Association announced Tuesday that its annual dinner will be held on July 24, nearly three months after the event was postponed following a shocking security incident that rattled the nation’s capital.
The dinner had originally been scheduled for April 25 but was delayed after alleged gunman Cole Tomas Allen rushed a security checkpoint carrying a rifle and opened fire. According to authorities, a Secret Service agent was struck in a bulletproof vest and survived the attack.
Prosecutors allege Allen later admitted in a manifesto that he intended to assassinate President Donald Trump and kill as many cabinet officials as possible. He remains in custody awaiting trial.
The incident transformed what is typically one of Washington’s most celebrated social and media events into a stark reminder of the security threats facing public officials and journalists alike.
In announcing the new date, White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang said the organization was determined not to allow political violence to define the event.
“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has served as a celebration of a free press and the vital role of journalism in our democracy for over a century,” Jiang wrote in a message to members.
“When gunfire interrupted this year’s event, it further clarified the WHCA’s mission to advocate for the freedoms that are protected in the First Amendment. We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for.”
The annual gathering traditionally brings together journalists, elected officials, celebrities and administration figures for an evening that mixes speeches, awards and political humor.
President Trump confirmed on TRUTH Social that he would attend the rescheduled event.
“This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling,” Trump wrote.
“I was asked to be there, and speak, by Weijia Jiang, President of The White House Correspondents’ Association, and have accepted. I don’t know whether or not I will give the same rather nasty statements, at least as it concerns certain people, but we will soon find out. In any event, it will be a “HOT” ticket!”
NEW: President Trump confirms he will attend the rescheduled WHCA Dinner after an assassination attempt interrupted the original event:
"This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling."
"I was asked to… pic.twitter.com/K45Hhb11ua
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 2, 2026
