Lara Trump calls WH correspondents' dinner a 'snake pit', adds 'Get your popcorn ready'

Dinner comes amid tensions over the Iran conflict, economic uncertainty and Trump media clashes
Lara Trump says media rely on Donald Trump for ratings ahead of a high-profile White House dinner (Getty Images)
Lara Trump says media rely on Donald Trump for ratings ahead of a high-profile White House dinner (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Lara Trump hyped President Donald Trump’s expected appearance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 25, calling the event a “snake pit” and claiming many journalists who dislike him still rely on him for ratings.

Speaking on Fox News, Lara said the annual Washington gala could turn into an unforgettable political spectacle.



Lara says Trump's critics secretly need him

Appearing on Fox & Friends, Lara Trump told viewers to “get your popcorn ready,” predicting a dramatic evening once Trump enters a room filled with reporters and media figures.

She said many of those attending are “no fans of Donald Trump,” but argued they “actually desperately need Donald Trump.”

According to Lara, Trump gives the media what no one else can: strong ratings, nonstop headlines and constant material to discuss.

She said he provides “continual information to talk about and things to 'report',” while taking a swipe at sections of the press by saying much of it is “not really reporting or journalism,” but opinion.

Lara also praised Trump’s personality, saying he was fully capable of handling a hostile audience.

She described him as “one of the funniest people I have ever met” and said he had been preparing to go into this “snake pit” his entire life.

She added that if attendees did not leave “absolutely in love with Donald Trump,” she would be shocked.

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 05: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives for a dinner in the Rose Garden at the White House on September 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump hosted members of Congress for his first event in the Rose Garden since replacing the grass with tiles. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Trump arrives for a dinner in the Rose Garden at the White House on September 05, 2025, in Washington, DC (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

WH correspondents' dinner draws attention

The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an annual gathering hosted by journalists who cover the presidency.

It celebrates press freedom, recognizes journalism and also serves as a major social and political event in Washington.

Presidents from both parties have long attended, often delivering humorous speeches as part of the tradition.

This year, organizers chose Oz Pearlman instead of a comedian as the featured performer.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: The presidents translator, Luther (L), as portrayed by comedian Keegan-Michael Key, gestures as President Barack Obama speaks at the annual White House Correspondent's Association Gala at the Washington Hilton hotel April 25, 2015 in Washington, D.C. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists, politicians and celebrities. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
The president's translator, Luther (L), as portrayed by comedian Keegan-Michael Key, gestures as former President Barack Obama speaks at the annual White House Correspondents' Association Gala at the Washington Hilton hotel April 25, 2015, in Washington, DC. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists, politicians and celebrities (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)

The event comes at a time of geopolitical tension, economic concerns and ongoing clashes between Trump and the media, raising the stakes around the night.

President Donald Trump’s expected presence has drawn attention because he skipped the dinner throughout his presidency, unlike other Presidents.

His decision to attend this time has quickly turned the event into one of the most closely watched in years.

The dinner is known for mixing politics and humor, with presidents typically taking jokes from hosts and comedians in stride.

Trump’s strained relationship with the press, however, adds a sharper and more unpredictable tone to the evening.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Donald Trump said Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles or San Diego, calling it 'a very small price to pay' at a Nebraska rally
19 hours ago
Host Greta Brawner stressed that greater access to the president did not mean giving up independent reporting
Sep 25, 2026
Sunny Hostin recalled that her daughter, who wears a large afro, was subjected to bullying involving her hair
Sep 22, 2026
Brian Stelter said removing major news outlets from the regular press rotation could create practical problems for covering Trump
Sep 20, 2026
The court filing comes amid a separate dispute over Jimmy Kimmel’s interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico
Sep 18, 2026
Joy Behar criticized Donald Trump Jr after he confirmed Russian businessman Umar Kremlev helped fund his wedding, calling it a 'generous gift'
Sep 16, 2026
Maria Bartiromo's future became a subject of speculation almost immediately after Fox News announced her departure on September 3
Sep 10, 2026
Kimmel said the FCC had threatened him, his show, and ABC over 'simple, traditional editorial decisions, guest bookings it would seem they don’t like'
Sep 10, 2026
Whoopi Goldberg invoked Barbara Walters’ original vision for the talk show, urging viewers to engage with guests despite political differences
Sep 10, 2026
Reflecting on the concerns he had a decade or more ago, Jimmy Kimmel said many of them now seem insignificant in hindsight
Sep 5, 2026