President Trump Lightly Mocks Media at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

During his remarks, Trump remained courteous and conciliatory, noting that the second appearance is always better, and playfully praised the media, stating he respects most of them.

He added, “As I said three months ago, the show must go on,”.

The president also urged Americans to uphold freedom of speech.

“We resolve our differences not with bullets but with open, vigorous debate,” Trump said. “A deranged individual with a gun cannot alter that, and we must prevent it from happening.”

Trump appeared in good spirits, joking with the press that “sometimes I truly believe some of you simply don’t like me”.

“This venue is the largest gathering of ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ sufferers ever assembled,” he remarked. “I suspect some of you were fortunate that our previous dinner was cut short… I was prepared to pursue you.”

The gathering was notably smaller than the inaugural correspondents’ dinner, with roughly 700 attendees versus over 2,000 in April.

Security was heightened. Multiple city blocks surrounding the hotel were closed off, featuring a substantial police and National Guard presence. Guests underwent dual screening with QR codes and identification, and received wristbands.

At one point, attendees were asked to walk in a single file past two Secret Service officers bearing rifles.

The April shooting suspect, identified as 31‑year‑old Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate the President of the United States.

Agents tackled him just before a staircase leading down to the ballroom where the dinner was commencing.

Other Saturday night attendees included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

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