Trump to attend new White House press gala on July 24 after shooting

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will speak at a rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner on July 24. The event, originally held on April 25, was cut short when shots were fired at a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton hotel, forcing Trump's evacuation.

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I was asked to be there, and speak… and have accepted.

Trump described the WHCA's decision to hold a new event as a "sign of Strength and Fortitude," offering rare praise for the media organization he frequently criticizes. He stated on his Truth Social network, "I was asked to be there, and speak… and have accepted." He added, "This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling."

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This announcement is a very good thing in that we cannot allow Lunatics to change our way of life, or even its scheduling.

WHCA president Weijia Jiang informed members that the new dinner will feature "significantly enhanced safety measures" and be held at a "more intimate" venue. Jiang emphasized the importance of not allowing violence to dictate the nation's activities, especially during the 250th anniversary of America. Trump, however, noted that the rescheduled event would take place at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, which he owned from 2016 to 2021.

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We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for.

Trump's attendance at the April dinner was his first during his presidency, reflecting his often contentious relationship with the press, whom he has labeled the "enemy of the people." He had previously expressed a desire to deliver the speech he had planned for the original dinner, which he hinted would be critical of some media figures. "I don’t know whether or not I will give the same rather nasty statements, at least as it concerns certain people, but we will soon find out," Trump said, calling the new event a "HOT ticket!"

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I don’t know whether or not I will give the same rather nasty statements, at least as it concerns certain people, but we will soon find out. In any event, it will be a ‘HOT’ ticket!