President Donald Trump said he intends to attend the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, reversing his decision to avoid the event throughout his first term in office.

The annual dinner, typically held each spring in Washington, D.C., brings together members of the White House press corps, administration officials, lawmakers, and guests. The evening traditionally features remarks from the sitting president as well as a performance by a featured comedian, combining humor with commentary on politics and the media.

Trump announced in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he tied his decision to the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary celebrations and highlighted what he described as his record in office.

“In honor of our Nation’s 250th Birthday, and the fact that these ‘Correspondents’ now admit that I am truly one of the Greatest Presidents in the History of our Country, the G.O.A.T., according to many, it will be my Honor to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER!” Trump wrote.

During his first term, Trump declined to attend the dinner each year, becoming the first president in decades to skip the event for the entirety of his presidency. At the time, he frequently criticized major media outlets, accusing them of biased and unfair coverage and using the term “fake news” to describe reporting he disputed.

In his latest post, Trump referenced that history, stating that his prior absence stemmed from what he characterized as hostile treatment from the press.

“Because the Press was extraordinarily bad to me, FAKE NEWS ALL, right from the beginning of my First Term, I boycotted the event, and never went as Honoree. However, I look forward to being with everyone this year. Hopefully, it will be something very Special,” he wrote.

It was not immediately clear whether the White House Correspondents’ Association has formally confirmed his participation or finalized details for the event. The organization had not publicly commented on the announcement at the time of publication.

If he appears, it would mark a notable change in approach toward an event that has long symbolized the relationship between the presidency and the press. The dinner is expected to draw heightened attention this year, given Trump’s remarks and the broader preparations underway for the country’s semiquincentennial.