United States President Donald Trump joked about seeking a third presidential term and later displayed a red “Trump 2028” cap as he addressed the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday in Washington.
Speaking before journalists at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, Trump mixed humour with criticism of the media during the event, which was postponed after an apparent assassination attempt disrupted the original dinner three months earlier.
“This place is really the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time,” Trump told the media gala at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington.
The 80-year-old began his remarks on a more measured note by referring to the shooting incident that forced his evacuation from the April event.
“The show must go on,” Trump said.
As his speech progressed, Trump shifted to criticizing news organizations and Democratic rivals, delivering a series of campaign-style remarks that frequently drew attention to his long-running disputes with the media.
Earlier in the evening, Trump laughed and raised his hands while greeting members of a Wall Street Journal team recognized for reporting on his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
He later made light of the awards presented to journalists covering his second administration.
“This has not been an easy evening, all these awards,” Trump said after journalists received prizes for their reporting on the Republican’s second presidency.
Trump also revisited the issue of serving beyond the constitutional two-term limit, while maintaining that he was joking.
“Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet,” Trump said, before adding: “I’m only kidding.”
He continued the joke by unveiling a red “Trump 2028” cap and telling the audience he intended to seek another term.
“I’m 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”.
Trump also highlighted what he described as his openness with journalists, pointing to his regular question-and-answer sessions and direct conversations with members of the press.
“I always find that when you don’t speak to the press, you always get a bad story,” said Trump, whose relationship with the press goes back decades to his rise as a well-known New York real estate developer in the 1980s. “When you do speak to the press, you have a shot at getting a good story.”
Trump, attending his first White House Correspondents’ Dinner after years of tensions with the press, also said he intended to return for next year’s event.
The dinner took place under heightened security following the alleged assassination attempt in April, when gunfire near the Washington Hilton forced the event to be canceled and prompted Trump’s evacuation.
Authorities said Cole Allen, a 31-year-old California man, has pleaded not guilty to charges that include attempting to kill the president.
Security measures were significantly increased for Friday’s event, with the US Secret Service, police officers, and National Guard personnel securing the area around the venue. Roads were closed, although guests entering the event underwent only limited security screening.
The dinner was relocated from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria, a property that previously operated as a Trump hotel.
See the video below:
https://x.com/i/status/2080950766462763414
(France 24)
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