President Donald Trump returned to the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, delivering an hour-long speech. He praised some journalists and criticized others, making jokes about public figures’ weight and intellect, and even quipped about serving a third presidential term. He assured the audience that he had scrapped the most biting parts of his original speech planned for April, before a gunman forced the postponement of the event.
Trump began his remarks by acknowledging the decision to reschedule the dinner. He referred to the “attempted mass murder” that could have occurred during the original event and then shifted to humor and insults. The president promised to return next year, marking a noteworthy moment in his relationship with the news media, which he has criticized and engaged in legal and administrative actions against since starting his second term. Among the attendees were journalists he had previously denounced and barred from events.
Trump’s speech, just over an hour in length, included vague criticisms directed at individuals such as Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, and “Barack Hussein Obama.” Initially, the audience responded with laughs, but the atmosphere shifted to scattered laughter as the insults increased. Other targets of Trump’s jokes included late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, Rep. Ilhan Omar, California Governor Gavin Newsom, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and even his own speechwriters.
He expressed pride in the Waldorf Astoria hotel ballroom, previously the Trump International Hotel, stating, “It’s great to be back at a place that I know very well, because I built it.” He also joked about journalism awards given earlier in the evening for stories challenging him and his administration, asking, “Do I have a say in those awards?” Trump made brief mentions of the Iran war and the new ballroom he is planning for the White House. He also joked about serving a third term, despite the constitutional amendment barring it, saying, “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better, and the third time will be better yet.” He concluded with humor, wearing a red cap with “Trump 2028” and jokingly announcing another run for presidency.
Earlier in the evening, Trump entered the ballroom to polite applause. Outgoing White House Correspondents’ Association president Weijia Jiang of CBS News thanked him for his support. Trump witnessed more than an hour of awards presentations. One recipient, Tyler Pager of the New York Times, had been subpoenaed by Trump’s Justice Department over reporting about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet, but the subpoenas were recently withdrawn. The rescheduled dinner took place at a smaller venue with around 700 guests and increased security, including ID checks, a detection dog, armed officers, and security guards.
Jiang welcomed the crowd with, “Let’s try this again,” referring to the trauma and confusion of the original dinner. She emphasized the continued dedication of the press corps despite the previous challenges. The White House Correspondents’ Association still faced tensions while holding this annual dinner, intended to celebrate a free press and the role of journalism in democracy.
The dinner also included two new awards for bravery during the April shooting incident. Secret Service agent Victor Gonzales was recognized for engaging the armed suspect. The staff of the Washington Hilton hotel was also commended for professionalism during the ordeal. The dress code was relaxed to “black tie optional,” and attendees enjoyed a meal that included grilled peach and burrata salad, lobster, and beef Wellington. Mentalist Oz Pearlman provided entertainment.
Some critics argued against rescheduling the dinner, pointing out that close interactions between journalists and their sources might undermine public trust in the press. Kelly McBride from the Poynter Institute expressed concern that it could make journalists appear too friendly with those they cover. The dinner occurred amid escalating tension between Trump and the media, with the president imposing pressure on outlets he disapproves of through sanctions, regulatory actions, and lawsuits.
Trump attempted to ease tensions, expressing respect for journalism and jokingly stating, “When I’m not around, you’re all gonna be broke.” He concluded the evening surprised at how challenging the event turned out to be.
Jocelyn Noveck covers the intersection of media and entertainment for The Associated Press.