Trump to address rescheduled White House correspondents' dinner amid heightened security
President Donald Trump will speak at the White House correspondents' dinner held three months after a shooting forced the original event's cancellation, with extensive security measures in place.
The White House correspondents' dinner resumed on Friday at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, three months after the April event was halted when a gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint. President Donald Trump arrived for the ceremony, which organizers said would feel more intimate than the previously evacuated gathering.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier described the upcoming remarks as a blend of unifying and humorous elements. The dinner also honored Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, who was wounded while confronting the shooter, and hotel staff who assisted guests during the attack.
The suspect, Cole Allen, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempting to assassinate the president. Secret Service Director Sean Curran told reporters that agents remained vigilant, noting, "We do expect bad people to show up."
This will be the first time Trump addresses the correspondents' dinner in either of his terms, having skipped the event during his first presidency. The speech is expected to draw attention given his ongoing disputes with the press, including lawsuits and accusations of "fake news," as well as recent restrictions placed on news organizations' access to the White House and Pentagon. Notable absentees from the guest list include former first lady Melania Trump, Senator JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio.