What Happened to White House Correspondents' Dinner?

The White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) originated from the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), founded on February 25, 1914, by journalists to ensure access to the President. The first dinner was held in 1921, and President Calvin Coolidge became the first sitting president to attend in 1924, establishing a tradition of presidential presence. Initially a male-only event, the dinner became open to women in 1962 after President John F. Kennedy refused to attend otherwise, a pivotal moment championed by journalist Helen Thomas.

Over the decades, the dinner evolved from a modest gathering to a star-studded 'Nerd Prom,' attracting politicians, journalists, and celebrities. A key turning point in its format was in 1983 when comedians became the annual headliners, tasked with roasting both the president and the press. This comedic element often led to memorable, and sometimes controversial, moments, such as Stephen Colbert's pointed monologue in 2006 and Barack Obama's jokes aimed at Donald Trump in 2011, which some speculate fueled Trump's political ambitions.

The dinner faced its most significant challenges during Donald Trump's first presidency. He boycotted the event for all three years of his first term (2017, 2018, 2019), citing negative press coverage and instead holding rallies. This absence sparked debates about the dinner's relevance and the relationship between the press and the presidency. The 2018 dinner, hosted by Michelle Wolf, drew considerable backlash for her sharp criticism of the Trump administration and its staff, further intensifying the discussion.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the in-person dinners in 2020 and 2021, with the WHCA opting for virtual presentations to honor journalism and award scholarships. The event made its return in 2022 with President Joe Biden attending, signaling a return to tradition. Biden continued to attend in 2023, with Roy Wood Jr. as host, and in 2024, with Colin Jost.

As of April 24, 2026, the White House Correspondents' Dinner is scheduled for April 25, 2026. In a highly anticipated move, President Donald Trump has announced his intention to attend the dinner for the first time as president. This year also marks a significant shift in entertainment, as mentalist Oz Pearlman has been selected to headline the event instead of a comedian, a decision seen by some as an attempt to move away from politically charged humor. This development has reignited discussions about the dinner's purpose and its evolving role in the relationship between the White House and the press corps.