Trump Critiques Media and Jokes About Future Presidential Bids at Rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner

US President Donald Trump criticized the “fake news media” and made lighthearted references to serving a prohibited third term during a rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday. The event was held three months after a previous iteration was disrupted by an attempted assassination.

“This place is really the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time,” Trump remarked to the assembled media at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington.

The 80-year-old president began with a relatively conciliatory tone, acknowledging the previous attack by a gunman that necessitated his evacuation during the April dinner.

“The show must go on,” Trump stated.

However, his speech quickly shifted toward criticizing a variety of perceived adversaries, moving from journalists to his Democratic political opponents in a sprawling address.

Earlier in the evening, Trump laughed while shaking hands with a team from the Wall Street Journal, which had previously published reports regarding his connections to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Watch moreTrump assassination attempt at press gala: Mainstream media and conspiracy theories

After journalists received awards for their reporting on the second Trump presidency, he joked that “this has not been an easy evening, all these awards.”

Trump also revisited the topic of serving a third term—which is prohibited by the US Constitution—though he insisted the comments were humorous.

“Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet,” Trump said, before clarifying, “I’m only kidding.”

He later continued the theme by displaying a red “Trump 2028” cap, jokingly announcing his “intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States.”

Trump also addressed the contrast between his criticisms of the press and the unprecedented level of access he provides through frequent Q&A sessions and personal phone calls with many reporters.

“I always find that when you don’t speak to the press, you always get a bad story,” said Trump, whose relationship with the media spans decades, dating back to his rise as a New York real estate developer in the 1980s. “When you do speak to the press, you have a shot at getting a good story.”

Much of the speech echoed his campaign-style rallies, with the president even jokingly criticizing his speechwriters when certain lines failed to land.

Following an unsuccessful joke, Trump remarked, “That was actually the only thing I thought was good in this whole freaking stupid speech.”

He concluded the hour-long address by expressing “tremendous respect” for the journalists in attendance, while adding, “When I’m gone you’re all going to be broke.”

‘Let’s try this again’

Trump, who attended his first White House Correspondents’ Dinner in several years following years of friction with the press, indicated his intention to attend next year.

The event took place under heightened security, three months after an alleged assassination attempt forced a chaotic evacuation when shots were fired at the Washington Hilton, resulting in the cancellation of the black-tie dinner.

Cole Allen, 31, of California, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to kill the president.

For this event, the US Secret Service implemented extensive security measures. Police and National Guard officers established a major cordon and sealed off nearby roads, though guests faced only cursory checks during entry.

The venue was moved from the Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria, a former Trump property.

“Let’s try this again,” said CBS correspondent Weijia Jiang, the outgoing president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, who presided over the previous dinner.

“Tonight our message is this: We are back. We will not be intimidated. We will not let an act of violence have the final word.”

Incoming WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich noted that the event is expected to return to the Washington Hilton next year.

Press freedom advocates have criticized the Trump administration for legal actions against media organizations, restrictions on journalist access, and threats against broadcasters. The President has rejected these criticisms, asserting that his administration focuses on promoting accountability and addressing media bias.

Friday’s event also honored Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, who survived an attack at a security checkpoint in April and is credited with stopping the assailant, as well as the Washington Hilton staff who assisted guests during the previous incident.

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