Trump questions WHCD venue safety after shooting, renews push for ‘more secure’ White House ballroom
WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for constructing a ballroom at the White House, raising concerns about the security of the current venue for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD).
His remarks come in the wake of a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton, where the annual event is traditionally held.
Speaking after the incident, Trump described the hotel as “not a particularly secure building,” suggesting that the venue lacks the level of protection he believes is necessary for high-profile gatherings.
Trump raises concerns over venue safety
Trump said the shooting highlighted vulnerabilities at the Washington Hilton, prompting him to reiterate his position on relocating the event.
"It's not a particularly secure building," he said of the Washington Hilton.
President Trump says tonight’s shooting at the WHCD is a clear example of why we need a need a new ballroom for The White House pic.twitter.com/a6dzeH9nyB
— Acyn (@Acyn) April 26, 2026
"I didn't want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we're planning at the White House,” the President shared.
"It's actually a larger room, and it's much more secure. It's got its drone proof. It's bulletproof glass. We need the ballroom," he added.
He also said that a ballroom at the White House would be safer than the current venue.
I can’t believe how lax the security was at the White House correspondents dinner tonight. Upon entering nobody asked to visibly INSPECT my ticket nor asked for my photo identification. All one had to do was flash what appeared to be a ticket and they were fine with that. When… pic.twitter.com/sLQjJDCEK1
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) April 26, 2026
Trump said that the proposed building would have features like being "drone-proof" and having bulletproof glass. He also said that the space would be bigger, which would make it better for the event.
Trump recounts response during shooting incident
Trump also spoke about his experience during the shooting, saying he initially resisted efforts to remove him from the venue.
“I fought like hell to stay,” he said, explaining that security personnel ultimately insisted on following protocol.
🚨 DONALD TRUMP JUST WENT FULL DEFIANT MODE
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
After the shooting at WHCA dinner: “I fought like HELL to stay!” 🤣
"We're going to reschedule, we're going to do it again. We're NOT going to let anybody take over our society!" 🔥
"We're not going to cancel things out because we… pic.twitter.com/d3froYfeRb
"But they, it was protocol. They said, 'Please, sir,' because they didn't know... there was a lot of action going on, and they didn't know," Trump said.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual gathering attended by journalists, political leaders, and public figures, making security a key consideration. The shooting incident has brought renewed attention to security planning for major public and political events.
Trump’s comments underscore his view that a purpose-built facility at the White House would address such concerns more effectively
