President Donald Trump, at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner, spoke with a more unifying tone. The initial event had been disrupted in April due to an assassination attempt. Trump was originally prepared to deliver a combative speech, but instead, he emphasized unity and gratitude, although he still included some jabs at the press, stating: “The show must go on.”
This return marked Trump’s comeback to the stage just months after the annual banquet abruptly ended due to gunfire. An armed individual, Cole Allen, aimed to assassinate the president, as per authorities’ reports.
“The speech that I had ready just a short while ago was going to be intense. But something shifted for the better,” Trump expressed to the attendees, including journalists and government officials. “However, there will be minor criticisms, if permissible,” he added.
Playing his regular walk-out song, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”, Trump injected humor by joking about a third-term candidacy before acknowledging the Secret Service’s commitment. This included gratitude for their efforts during the initial dinner’s attack, along with their daily protection.
He went on to deliver a speech that was much longer than expected, lasting an hour and four minutes. Trump concluded his reflections with: “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. The third will be better still – only kidding.” The president stressed that his initial, more critical speech would not be suitable now.
Throughout his remarks, Trump joked about both Democrats and members of his own cabinet. “I hope everyone enjoyed the delicious beef tenderloins,” Trump quipped. He further made light of California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and potential 2028 presidential candidate Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker along with other Democratic figures.
“I would never call anybody fat,” Trump stated humorously, “Don’t call J.B. Pritzker a fat pig,” he added.
The president humorously suggested Senator Chuck Schumer should prepare for Israeli leaders visiting Washington with Palestinian attire.
Trump also took the opportunity to advocate for Congressional term limits. Reflecting on a recent text exchange, he shared a humorous story about a senator managing personal activities.
The dinner honored U.S. Secret Service Officer Victor Gonzales, recognizing his role in halting Cole Allen’s attempt to enter. The attacks could have posed a significant threat to democracy, Trump noted. Allen, who traveled to the event with malintent, faces several charges.
Trump proudly showcased the newly completed White House Ballroom, attributing its creation to the security challenges highlighted by the first event and predicting its future usage for Correspondents’ Dinners.
Concluding his remarks, Trump indicated his intention to return for next year’s dinner and announced a fourth presidential run playfully sporting a “TRUMP 2028” hat.