Story perspectives

Trump Attends Revived WHCA Dinner, Honors Shot Officer

7/25/2026

Summary

Trump Attends Dinner

President Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on July 24, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria after the April 25 shooting halted the event.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said agents used magnetometers, a single entry point and tickets, warning that “bad people” were expected.
Secret Service Officer Victor Gonzales, who was shot in the April attack, received the President’s Award for Exceptional Service, while Washington Hilton staff were honored.

Summary

Trump Salutes

President Donald Trump gave a single-handed forehead salute as the National Anthem played.
He wore a black suit with a matching bow tie for the dinner.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended in black-tie attire with his wife Cheryl Hines, who wore an off-shoulder dress and sipped champagne.
Tables displayed wine bottles, full plates and towering macarons, while protesters gathered outside the Waldorf Astoria but did not disturb attendees.

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Trump Attends Dinner

President Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on July 24, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria after the April 25 shooting halted the event.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran said agents used magnetometers, a single entry point and tickets, warning that “bad people” were expected.
Secret Service Officer Victor Gonzales, who was shot in the April attack, received the President’s Award for Exceptional Service, while Washington Hilton staff were honored.

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