President Donald Trump made a notable return to the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday night. During the event, he delivered an hour-long speech featuring praise for some journalists, jabs at others, and jokes about public figures’ weight and intellect. He even quipped about serving a third presidential term.
Trump assured attendees that he had removed the harshest parts of his speech. Reflecting on events from April that postponed the original dinner, he noted, “the show must go on,” referencing the potential tragedy averted by delaying the gathering.
The Dinner Venue and Attendees
The event, held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, previously known as the Trump International Hotel, saw tighter security measures. The venue accommodated about 700 guests with armed officers and detection dogs guarding the single entrance.
Among the audience were journalists Trump had criticized or barred from events. Despite previous tensions, the president expressed some respect for journalists, acknowledging the important role of the press in democracy.
The Speech Content
Trump’s speech included vague criticisms targeting individuals like Jane Fonda and Bruce Springsteen, and references to Barack Obama. The audience’s laughter grew sparse as the speech continued.
Trump also touched on journalism awards presented earlier, many of which challenged him and his administration. “Do I have a say in those awards?” he commented with a smile.
Comedic Jabs and Aspirations
Adding humor to his address, Trump joked about serving a third term, a notion blocked by the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment. He concluded with a nod to a fictional campaign in 2028, donning a cap with “Trump 2028” inscribed on it.
Acknowledgments and Awards
Along with a lighter dress code, Friday’s dinner featured two additional awards. Secret Service agent Victor Gonzales received recognition for his actions in April, directly engaging an armed suspect.
The Washington Hilton hotel staff were also honored for their professionalism during the original dinner. These recognitions reflected the courage shown by individuals amidst the crisis.
Reception and Criticism
Weijia Jiang, outgoing president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, welcomed guests back, emphasizing resilience in the face of violence. The dinner aimed to celebrate a free press but faced critique for potentially undermining public trust in journalism.
Increased tension marked the dinner between media and the president, who had imposed measures against outlets he opposed. Despite these tensions, Trump concluded with an attempt at reconciliation, expressing respect for the journalism profession.
Jocelyn Noveck, who covers media intersecting with entertainment for The Associated Press, provided insights into the event’s dynamics.