Donald Trump used the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner to launch a series of biting attacks on journalists, politicians, and celebrities, while joking about seeking a fourth term as U.S. president. The event, held at Washington’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, marked Trump’s first appearance at the annual gathering since a gunman opened fire outside the original venue in April.
Trump’s Barbs Target Press and Political Foes
Trump took aim at several high-profile figures during his speech, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, musician Bruce Springsteen, and television host Rosie O’Donnell. He also singled out Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, the incoming president of the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), calling her “nasty” before criticizing her husband, a Republican congressman, for voting against him.
CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, who received a WHCA award earlier in the evening, was another target. Trump dismissed the honor as “fake” and told her, “You’re at CNN fake news. You should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan. Just smile.” The remarks drew mixed reactions from the audience, with some laughter and applause, while others remained silent.
Security Tightened After April Shooting
The dinner was rescheduled after the original event on April 25 was canceled when a gunman fired shots outside the Washington Hilton. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Allen, pleaded not guilty in May to federal charges, including attempting to assassinate the president. Trump described the shooter as “a sick person, a very sick person” during a press conference following the incident.
Security at the rescheduled event was significantly heightened, with airport-style measures in place. Attendees received individual QR codes for entry, and the venue was moved to the smaller Waldorf Astoria to accommodate tighter controls. A memo from WHCA president Weijia Jiang stated there would be “no red carpet” and “no onsite pre-dinner receptions.”
Awards Honor Bravery Amid Chaos
The WHCA presented two awards to individuals who acted courageously during the April shooting. Secret Service agent Victor Gonzales, who was struck in his protective vest while staffing a security checkpoint, was recognized for running “toward danger so that thousands of others could make it home safely.” The Washington Hilton staff, who responded to the gunfire, also received an award.
Jiang and Heinrich both emphasized the shared duty of the press and presidency to serve the public, despite tensions. “What we share is far more important than anything else,” Jiang said, referencing a “split screen” moment after the shooting when Trump huddled with his cabinet to gather and share information.
Trump Jokes About Fourth Term as Dinner Ends
Trump closed his remarks with a joke about running for a fourth term, telling the audience, “Tonight, to show just how much I care about the press, and [because] I want to save your ratings, I want to announce my intention—this is somewhat of a scoop—to run for a fourth term as president of the United States.” The line drew laughter, though it remained unclear whether it was a serious suggestion or another dig at the media.
The evening also included lighter moments, such as Trump’s playful jab at HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the dinner’s menu. “Bobby Kennedy, who’s right here, personally ran over the cow in his car, and he cut it up and he brought it here for you to eat tonight,” Trump said, adding that Kennedy had suggested an appetizer of “male raccoon roadkill” but was overruled.
As tensions between the Trump administration and the press continue to escalate—through regulatory actions, lawsuits, and sanctions—Friday’s dinner served as a reminder of the fraught but intertwined relationship between the White House and the media.
