'Do I have a say?': Trump leaves crowd laughing after WSJ reporters are honored for Epstein coverage

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump opened the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner with a tongue-in-cheek remark after journalists were recognised for reporting critical of his administration, including an award-winning Wall Street Journal investigation into his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

Addressing attendees at the annual dinner, the 80-year-old joked about sitting through the presentation of journalism awards before beginning his prepared remarks.

Trump quips about 'all these awards'

"This has not been an easy evening – all these awards," Trump said. "Do I have a say on those awards?"

The audience laughed as the president acknowledged that several of the evening's honors recognised reporting that had put his administration under scrutiny.

His remarks came moments after Wall Street Journal reporters accepted an award for their investigation into a reportedly birthday letter that Trump allegedly wrote to Epstein for his 50th birthday.

The story, first published in July 2025, triggered a legal dispute between Trump and the newspaper's parent company. The president filed a lawsuit over the report, but the case was dismissed by a federal judge earlier this year before being amended and refiled.

Trump seen reacting as WSJ reporters receive award

As presenters described WSJ's investigation on stage, Trump appeared to take the moment in stride. He was seen smirking, repeatedly shrugging his shoulders and later shaking hands with the reporters involved as they accepted the honor.

The WHCA dinner annually recognises journalists for distinguished reporting on the presidency and US government, with awards frequently highlighting investigative work that has had a significant public impact.

Although the honored coverage remains the subject of an ongoing legal battle, Trump used humor to acknowledge the uncomfortable moment before moving on to congratulate journalists and continue his address to the gathering.

The exchange underscored the often-contentious yet highly visible relationship between the president and the White House press corps, which has remained a defining feature of his time in office.