The president told reporters that the first lady "knew immediately what happened" when gunfire was heard during the dinner and said, "That's a bad noise"
Credit: Mandel NGAN / AFP
NEED TO KNOW
- First lady Melania Trump is marking her 56th birthday on Sunday, April 26
- Her birthday comes one day after she and her husband, President Donald Trump, were rushed out of the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner by Secret Service agents after an alleged gunman opened fire inside the hotel venue
- Donald later told reporters that it was a “traumatic experience” for his wife
Melania Trump is marking her 56th birthday.
The first lady's birthday comes after her husband, President Donald Trump, spoke to reporters about her reaction to the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night, April 25.
During a press conference just over an hour after the incident, Donald, 79, recalled how Melania "knew immediately what happened" and declared, "That's a bad noise," when the alleged gunman — whom law enforcement officials have identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen — fired shots inside the Washington Hilton venue.
"Melania was cognizant," Donald said. "It was a rather traumatic experience for her."
He said his wife has always been aware of the safety threats associated with his role as president.
“The first lady was doing a terrific job. She loves the country. She recognizes it better than any," Donald continued. "But she told me numerous times, she said, 'You are in a dangerous job.' "
Credit: Nathan Howard/Getty
The shooting incident marked the third possible attempt on Donald's life, after he was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024 and had an assassination attempt at his Florida golf course in September 2024.
At Saturday night's press dinner, Donald and Melania were sitting onstage shortly after the start of the dinner when live footage showed Secret Service agents entering the ballroom and quickly escorting the president out of the room. The other prominent figures onstage — including Melania, Vice President JD Vance and pregnant press secretary Karoline Leavitt — were also seen on camera being removed from the ballroom.
PEOPLE's reporter inside the dinner said that attendees hid under tables shortly after the disruption occurred.
On Melania's birthday last year, the president and first lady spent time in Vatican City for the late Pope Francis’ funeral. Despite the solemn occasion, a social source told PEOPLE at the time that Melania, a "quiet" Catholic, had "no issue" spending the day mourning the pontiff instead of celebrating.
"She respected the pope," the source said. "It is a sad time for Catholics around the world, and the first lady is honored to go to the funeral."
Credit: Heather Diehl/Getty
In recent weeks, the president has locked horns with Francis' successor, Pope Leo XIV, over the pontiff’s criticism of the Iran war.
The White House did not immediately respond to emailed questions about its plans for Melania’s birthday this year.
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The notoriously private first lady has celebrated her past several birthdays with intimate gatherings at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. “Melania likes a low-key celebration with family,” a source told PEOPLE in 2023.
During her husband’s first administration, Melania spent most of her birthdays working at the White House. This year, she is preparing for a major state visit, as King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Washington on Monday, April 27.
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