Bill O’Reilly warns he will 'confront' misbehavior at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

WASHINGTON, DC: Bill O’Reilly headed to Washington with a warning aimed at anyone who might disrupt one of the most closely watched political media events of the year.

The conservative commentator said he planned to attend Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner and made it clear he would not stay silent if things turned disruptive inside the ballroom.

Speaking on his show No Spin News, O’Reilly said his decision to attend came after President Donald Trump confirmed he would also be present at the event.

“First time in his five years in office that Donald Trump is attending. And that’s why I’m going to be there,” he said. “Not because of the president, but because if anybody misbehaves, they’re going to have to answer me. And I mean that.”

He added, “I’m going to have their names and every place else on Monday up here. And if they get out of control, which I can’t imagine because the Secret Service will be all over the place, I’ll confront them right in the room. Because you have to respect the office of the presidency.”

Jake Tapper and journalists plan First Amendment protest at WHCD

His warning comes as some journalists prepare symbolic gestures inside the ballroom to highlight concerns around press freedom.

Jake Tapper said earlier this week that he and others planned to wear First Amendment themed accessories during the dinner.

Appearing on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' Tapper said the idea was meant to draw attention to free speech issues tied to the current political climate.

“There are a bunch of us that are gonna be wearing these,” Tapper said. “These are from the Reporters Committee for the Free Press. And, cause there might be some guests there that are unfamiliar with [the First Amendment].”

The pocket square he displayed carries the message: “Congress Shall Make No Law Abridging The Freedom of Speech or of the Press.”

Trump returns to White House Correspondents’ Dinner after years away

Trump’s attendance marks a shift from recent years, after he skipped the annual dinner throughout his presidency, becoming the first sitting president in decades to do so in 2017.

Before entering politics, Trump regularly attended the event, including a widely discussed 2011 appearance when he was roasted by Seth Meyers and then President Barack Obama over his political ambitions and “birther” claims.

The dinner itself has evolved in tone over time. Organizers moved away from traditional comedic roasts after backlash to Michelle Wolf’s 2018 set, and later dropped comedian Amber Ruffin following controversy over past remarks.

This year, the White House Correspondents’ Association opted for a different format, bringing in mentalist Oz Pearlman instead of a stand-up performer.

Trump confirmed his attendance on Truth Social, calling the dinner a major moment for political and media culture and signaling that he intended to make it a high-profile night.