US President Donald Trump reignited controversy by joking about serving a constitutionally prohibited third term while taking aim at the media during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington.
The annual event, held on Friday at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, took place three months after it was postponed following an alleged assassination attempt that forced Trump’s evacuation.
Opening his remarks on a conciliatory note, Trump reflected on the April incident, telling guests: “The show must go on.”
However, the speech soon shifted to familiar attacks on the press and his political rivals. Trump mocked journalists attending the gala, describing the audience as “the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time.”
He also joked about the awards presented to journalists, including members of The Wall Street Journal recognised for reporting on his alleged links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump then revived speculation about an additional term in office, despite the US Constitution limiting presidents to two elected terms.
“Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet,” he said before adding, “I’m only kidding.”
He later escalated the joke by producing a red “Trump 2028” cap and declaring he intended to run for a fourth term, describing it as “somewhat of a scoop.”
Much of the hour-long address resembled one of Trump’s campaign rallies, with the president occasionally joking about his speechwriters when some remarks failed to draw laughs.
Despite his repeated criticism of the media, Trump concluded by expressing “tremendous respect” for journalists, before adding: “When I’m gone you’re all going to be broke.”
The dinner marked Trump’s first appearance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after years of strained relations with the press.
Security was significantly tightened following the April attack. Roads around the venue were closed, with police, National Guard personnel and Secret Service officers deployed throughout the area. The event was moved from the Washington Hilton to the smaller Waldorf Astoria, which previously operated as a Trump hotel.
Outgoing White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) president Weijia Jiang said the gathering symbolised resilience after the earlier disruption.
“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,” she said.
Incoming WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich confirmed the dinner would return to the Washington Hilton next year.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran, who attended the event, defended the agency’s response to the April attack, insisting security measures had worked as intended.
He warned, however, that threats against senior US officials remain at unprecedented levels.
“The threat picture and environment is as large as I’ve ever seen it,” Curran said.
