Trump Opens Rescheduled WHCA Dinner with Lighthearted Jab
US President Donald Trump opened his speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on July 24, 2026, by joking that it had “not been an easy evening” for him, referring to the journalism awards presented for coverage critical of his administration. “Do I have a say on those awards?” Trump added, as reported by CNN.
The annual press gala was originally scheduled for April but was postponed after a major security incident at the Washington Hilton. A man identified as Cole Allen allegedly ran through a security checkpoint carrying loaded firearms and knives before being subdued by US Secret Service agents outside the ballroom. Authorities said Allen struck an officer before being restrained, while Trump and senior administration officials were rushed to safety after gunfire was heard. Allen later pleaded not guilty to four federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a president and assaulting a law enforcement officer, and remains in custody with no trial date set yet, CNN reported.
Journalists Honored for Critical Coverage
Several journalists received awards during the evening for their reporting on the Trump Administration. CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins was recognized for her coverage of the Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Judges praised her reporting for its “depth of knowledge, access and context” during a meeting that “unravelled before the world’s eyes,” according to CNN.
In the print category, The Associated Press reporters Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller were honored for their reporting on the dismissal of National Security Council staff whose views were considered not aligned with the President’s agenda, CNN reported.
Wall Street Journal Report on Epstein Letter Recognized
The evening also saw several Wall Street Journal reporters recognized for their reporting on an alleged letter that Trump reportedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday. The report, published in July 2025, later became the subject of a lawsuit filed by Trump against the Journal’s parent company. According to CNN, the lawsuit was dismissed by a federal judge earlier in 2026 before being amended and refiled by Trump.
As the award-winning report was described during the ceremony, Trump was seen smirking and repeatedly shrugging his shoulders before shaking hands with the journalists involved, CNN reported.
Notable Absences and Attendees
First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend the rescheduled dinner due to scheduling conflicts, CNN reported. Among the administration officials present were Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
