Trump attacks media and jokes about 2028 at rescheduled correspondents’ dinner

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump used a rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday to attack what he called the fake news media and revive talk of seeking another term, during an event held three months after an assassination attempt forced its cancellation.

Speaking at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, Trump opened by referring to the April attack that led to his evacuation from the original dinner after gunfire erupted near the Washington Hilton. He then shifted to criticism of journalists and Democratic rivals in a speech that stretched about an hour.

At one point, Trump told the audience:

"This place is really the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time"

He also said:

"The show must go on"

During the evening, Trump joked about the awards handed to journalists, including after he had earlier laughed and shrugged while greeting a Wall Street Journal team recognised for reporting on his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Later, he remarked:

"this has not been an easy evening, all these awards"

Remarks on another term

Trump again referred to the prospect of extending his time in office, even though a third term is barred under the US Constitution. He said:

"Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet"

He then added:

"I’m only kidding"

Later in the speech, he took out a red Trump 2028 cap and said he was:

"pleased to announce my intention to — and this is a somewhat of a scoop — my intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States"

Although much of the address echoed the style of his campaign rallies, Trump ended by saying he had tremendous respect for the journalists present, before adding:

"When I’m gone you’re all going to be broke"

Security tightened after April attack

Friday’s event marked Trump’s first appearance at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner after years of strained relations with the press. He also said he planned to attend again next year.

The dinner was moved from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria, a former Trump hotel. Organisers said the new venue would make the gathering smaller and more intimate. Police and National Guard personnel closed nearby roads and put in place a substantial security perimeter, while guests lined up to present QR codes and identification before entering the atrium.

CBS correspondent Weijia Jiang, the outgoing president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, said:

"Let’s try this again"

She added:

Tonight our message is this: We are back. We will not be intimidated. We will not let an act of violence have the final word.

Incoming WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich said the dinner would return to the Washington Hilton next year.

The programme also included a performance by mentalist Oz Pearlman and a tribute to a Secret Service agent credited with helping stop the alleged gunman in April. Cole Allen, 31, of California has pleaded not guilty to charges that include attempting to kill the president.

US Secret Service Director Sean Curran, who was seen in the entrance hall as guests arrived, defended the original security arrangements. He told reporters:

"it did work, the system worked"

Curran said the security cordon had prevented the alleged attacker from reaching the main hall in April. He also said threats against senior US officials were at an unprecedented level, adding:

"The threat picture and environment is as large as I’ve ever seen it"