Full Breakdown
Jimmy Kimmel Invites Trump to Host White House Correspondents’ Dinner
3/5/2026, 8:22:19 AM
Trump’s Historic Attendance Announcement
President Donald Trump announced he will attend the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner on April 25, 2026, marking his first appearance at the event as president. Previously, Trump had boycotted the dinner during both of his terms, citing negative press coverage as his reason for abstaining. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his excitement, stating, “In honor of our Nation’s 250th Birthday... it will be my Honor to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER!”
Kimmel’s Hosting Proposal
In response to Trump’s announcement, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made a public appeal during his show, suggesting he should host the dinner. Kimmel emphasized that the event is traditionally led by a comedian and criticized the decision to have mentalist Oz Pearlman as this year’s host, calling it a “cop-out.” He humorously addressed Trump directly, saying, “Mr. President, please let me host this dinner... Think of the ratings!” Kimmel even offered to create a new award, the "Dondy Correspondy," specifically for Trump, adding a playful tone to his pitch.
The Dinner’s Shift in Tradition
The WHCA has shifted its approach in recent years, notably canceling comedian Amber Ruffin's performance last year to focus on journalism rather than political division. This year’s choice of a mentalist over a comedian reflects an effort to avoid potential controversy, particularly given Trump’s fraught relationship with the press. Kimmel's remarks highlight the ongoing tension between Trump and the media, as he has frequently criticized Kimmel, labeling him a “talentless hack” with “failing ratings.”
Official Statements & Responses
Kimmel’s proposal has drawn mixed reactions. A White House spokesperson dismissed Kimmel's appeal, stating, “Nobody in their right mind wants to watch or listen to Jimmy Kimmel.” Meanwhile, WHCA President Weijia Jiang expressed enthusiasm about Trump’s attendance, stating, “We’re happy the president has accepted our invitation and look forward to hosting him.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kimmel's hosting suggestion has not been universally welcomed. Critics argue that inviting him could reignite tensions between the White House and the press corps, especially given the history of the dinner as a platform for political satire. The decision to feature a mentalist instead of a comedian has also faced scrutiny, with some viewing it as a retreat from the event's traditional role in fostering political humor.
Conclusion
As the WHCA prepares for the upcoming dinner, the dynamics between Trump, Kimmel, and the press remain complex. Kimmel’s humorous pitch for hosting underscores the ongoing cultural clash between entertainment and politics, while Trump’s attendance promises to add a unique layer to this year’s event. The dinner, once a night of bipartisan satire, now reflects the heightened tensions and evolving relationships between political figures and the media.
