President Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday in Washington, marking his first appearance at the event since becoming president. The dinner had been postponed in April after a security threat when an armed man attempted to breach a checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, firing shots and injuring a Secret Service officer. The individual, Cole Allen, has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination.
Friday’s dinner was held at a smaller venue, the Waldorf Astoria hotel, under heightened security measures. The event, an annual gathering that celebrates press freedom and raises funds for journalism scholarships, featured remarks emphasizing resilience. “We are back. We will not be intimidated,” said Weijia Jiang, the outgoing president of the White House Correspondents’ Association. She added that violence would not determine the narrative of the event.
Trump opened his remarks with a mix of humor and pointed commentary, acknowledging the tense dynamic between his administration and much of the media. He referred to the crowd as “the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time” but also said he respected many journalists present and praised their work. The president noted that certain jokes originally planned for the previous, canceled dinner were held back, suggesting that he intended a harsher critique if the event had continued as scheduled.
During the speech, Trump took aim at some media figures, politicians, and celebrities, including journalists Don Lemon and Lawrence O’Donnell, politicians Chris Christie and Adam Schiff, and entertainers Bruce Springsteen and Jane Fonda. He also addressed broader political issues such as immigration, crime, and ongoing tensions related to the 2020 election, which he continues to dispute. Wearing a "Trump 2028" baseball cap, he asserted that America’s fortunes would continue to improve.
The president acknowledged the efforts of Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, the only person injured in the shooting, who was credited with stopping the attacker while wearing a protective vest. He also recognized hotel staff who assisted guests during the incident.
Traditionally, the annual dinner includes comedic performances that roast the president and the press. This year, instead of a comedian, the entertainment was provided by mentalist Oz Pearlman. Trump himself injected humor into his speech, joking about reporters having difficulty finding shoes to match their bulletproof vests, referencing the heavy gear many wore for security.
Trump concluded by stating he intended to return for next year’s dinner, although he suggested that future attendance might depend on how he is treated by the media. The event continues a long-standing tradition bringing together journalists, government officials, and other prominent figures to highlight the importance of press freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.