Trump says he loved Obama WH dinner, denies it sparked 2016 run: ‘Every joke was about me’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has shared that he "really loved" the White House Correspondents’ Dinner he attended during Barack Obama’s presidency, despite long-standing rumors that the event upset him.
During a Thursday, March 26 appearance on Fox News, President Trump confirmed he will attend this year’s dinner after skipping the event for several years.
Trump on WHCD: There is this theory I was there while Barack Hussein Obama was speaking, and he was hitting me a little bit. Actually, it was very nice, and actually I really loved it because every joke was about me.
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 26, 2026
They said I was so upset with that evening that I decided… pic.twitter.com/z1W8OdCBPk
Trump says he enjoyed jokes about him at Obama-era WH correspondents’ dinner
President Trump addressed the long-standing theory that he decided to run for office because he was mocked at the 2011 dinner.
Trump told the hosts of ‘The Five’ that the night was actually very pleasant for him.
He said, “And you know, there is this theory I was there while Barack Hussein Obama was speaking, and he was hitting me a little bit. Actually, it was very nice, and I was actually– I loved it. I really loved it.”
He explained that he had no problem being the center of attention and that the jokes did not bother him at all.
Trump denies WH correspondents’ dinner jokes led to his 2016 presidential run
Trump shared a memory of sitting with his wife during the event and how they both handled the situation.
He said, "I was saying to my wife, our first lady, our movie star first lady– you know, I always say, there is only room in a family for one star, this be a problem but she is a movie star, can you believe it?"
He continued by explaining how much he enjoyed the spotlight. He said, "But I was saying to her, I said 'You know, I love this, I am having a good time,' because every joke was about me and I sort of liked– I can handle that stuff."
He finished by saying that the night had nothing to do with his political career, but he is happy to return now.
Trump to attend WH correspondents’ dinner again after years of absence
The president made these comments while appearing on the show to discuss military operations in Iran and his decision to pause strikes on energy plants.
When asked about his past absences from the dinner, he told the hosts, “You know, I haven’t done it because right from the beginning I was treated rather rudely and crudely."
He mentioned his 2016 victory, calling it one of the greatest elections ever, but said the press was "so nasty" that he chose not to attend for several years.
However, he concluded by saying, "I’ll do it now," marking a shift in his relationship with the annual event and the media.
It is to be noted that this year, the event will feature mentalist Oz Pearlman instead of a comedian.
