President Donald Trump said he and First Lady Melania Trump are both “doing fine” following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) on Saturday night, describing the event as “a very sad evening” while highlighting moments of bipartisan solidarity in its aftermath.
Speaking to Fox News in a Sunday phone interview, Trump stated: “She’s doing great. I’m fine. And it was a very sad evening in many ways. And it was also an evening where a lot of people got together.”
He noted receiving waves and expressions of support from Democrats leaving the Washington Hilton, adding, “The place was just coming together. Was very nice to see, actually.”
The president used the occasion to intensify his advocacy for a major new 90,000-square-foot ballroom under construction on the White House grounds, atop the former East Wing.
In a Truth Social post and remarks during a news conference, Trump argued the attack would never have occurred inside the proposed secure facility.
“What happened last night is exactly the reason… every President for the last 150 years have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE,” he wrote.
He described the project as “Militarily Top Secret,” featuring drone-proof design, bulletproof glass, and full perimeter security within the White House gates. “It cannot be built fast enough,” Trump added.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN’s “State of the Union” that the suspect “got off a couple shots” but was “immediately subdued” after barely penetrating the outer perimeter.
A Secret Service agent was struck in the chest but protected by a bulletproof vest. Blanche characterized the response as a security success rather than a failure, stating the Secret Service “did their jobs last night.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect, who traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago by train before arriving in Washington, DC, was targeting members of the Trump administration.
He was carrying two firearms purchased in recent years and several knives. Law enforcement executed multiple search warrants overnight and has spoken to individuals familiar with the suspect.
Federal charges are expected Monday morning, with authorities continuing to investigate his motive.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the vulnerabilities of large-scale events held at off-site venues in Washington.
Trump has long promoted the White House ballroom as essential for hosting major state dinners and high-profile gatherings with maximum security.
