Trump floats renaming White House Correspondents' Dinner after himself

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump joked that the next White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner could be renamed in his honour before once again defending his administration's decision to build a new White House ballroom, citing the April shooting at the annual event.

Trump jokes about putting his name on WHCA dinner

Addressing journalists, media executives and guests at the annual correspondents' dinner on Friday, Trump claimed that Paramount Skydance chief executive David Ellison had suggested giving the event a new name.

"Next year, they're going to call it the Trump White House Correspondents' Dinner," Trump said. "(Ellison) told me that, and I like that very much. We're going to change the name of it, okay?"

The remark drew laughter from the audience as Trump continued his speech, which mixed humour with references to recent events involving the White House and the media.

Trump has maintained a friendly relationship with Ellison in recent months. The two were seen together during last month's UFC event at the White House, shortly after the Trump administration approved Paramount's merger with Skydance.

Trump defends White House ballroom project again

Later in his remarks, Trump shifted to the administration's planned White House ballroom, arguing that the project had become even more necessary after the shooting outside April's correspondents' dinner.

"We're building something that's going to be amazing, and in light of what we went through, I think people understand it," Trump said.

The administration has repeatedly pointed to the April security incident while promoting the ballroom, saying a modern venue would improve security for large White House gatherings.

The shooting occurred outside the correspondents' dinner when prosecutors allege Cole Tomas Allen attempted to attack the president before being subdued by Secret Service agents. Allen has pleaded not guilty to charges, including attempting to assassinate the president.

Trump did not announce any new details about the ballroom project during his speech but again used the incident to justify its construction, framing it as both a security upgrade and a long-term investment for future White House events.