Trump Discusses White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting in CBS Interview

Trump praised the dinner's "friendship" and "spirit" despite the disruption and urged the White House Correspondents' Association to reschedule within 30 days with enhanced security. He emphasized the importance of not allowing "a crazy person" to cancel the event, which celebrates the First Amendment.

This was the first such dinner Trump attended as president. The incident has sparked scrutiny of security at the venue. Attendees reported lax checks, with one journalist noting his ticket was barely examined and no ID or pat-down was required at initial entry points.

The Washington Hilton was also the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley, who recently commented that the hotel is not secure for large events due to repeated incidents. Hinckley, who shot Reagan and three others outside the hotel, told reporters that security was inadequate in 1981, allowing him to blend in without credentials.

He described learning of the recent shooting as "spooky" and suggested avoiding the venue for big gatherings.

The shooting occurred amid a podcast discussion noting the attack fueled new questions about Correspondents' Dinner protections. The event unfolded with guests diving under tables as shots rang out from the lobby. Agents returned fire, and the suspect was arrested but is reportedly not cooperating with authorities.

The incident echoes the 1981 attack, where Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and later released in 2022 after apologizing to affected families. An editorial highlighted concerns over political violence, toxic rhetoric, polarization, and gun ubiquity in the U.S., noting the hotel's history.

Officials condemned the violence, emphasizing its seriousness in the context of American political traditions. President Trump reflected on the first lady's reaction, describing her as "very strong" and noting she appeared upset in footage. He compared the experience to prior incidents he faced, stating she handled it well despite it being new to her to this extent.