Donald Trump mixed humour, personal insults and familiar political grievances during a sprawling hour-long appearance at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, ending with another provocative joke about seeking a constitutionally prohibited third presidential term.
The US president addressed hundreds of journalists, government officials and invited guests at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington on Friday evening.
The annual black-tie event traditionally celebrates press freedom, recognises journalistic achievement and raises money for journalism scholarships. Trump, however, used much of his speech to attack political opponents, television personalities and reporters whose coverage he dislikes.
Although the overall atmosphere remained mostly light-hearted, several of his scripted jokes received a muted response. Trump occasionally criticised his own prepared remarks, asking the audience whether anyone understood the speech and complaining when particular lines failed to generate laughter.
Praise and attacks on the press
Trump again accused sections of the media of producing “fake news”, while also saying that he respected journalism and believed in a free press.
He praised reporters for doing an “amazing job” and argued that his frequent exchanges with journalists had made his administration exceptionally accessible. Moments later, he returned to attacking individual members of the press and repeated criticism commonly heard during his political rallies.
Among those targeted were CNN journalists Kaitlan Collins and Don Lemon, television host Lawrence O’Donnell and several reporters recognised during the evening for their work covering the Trump administration.
The dinner took place one day after federal prosecutors withdrew subpoenas seeking information from reporters in connection with their coverage of an investigation involving the president’s aircraft. Press freedom organisations have also criticised lawsuits against media companies and restrictions imposed on some journalists’ access to government institutions.
Political opponents become targets
Trump directed personal remarks at Democratic senator Adam Schiff, congressman Jerry Nadler and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie. He also mocked musician Bruce Springsteen and actor Jane Fonda.
Health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr was included in one of the more conventional dinner jokes, with Trump suggesting that Kennedy had personally run over the cow used for the evening’s beef tenderloin.
The president also briefly moved beyond comedy to discuss his administration’s record, crime in Washington and the ongoing war involving Iran. He insisted that the military campaign was progressing successfully before warning the journalists present not to believe negative reporting.
A gala shaped by violence
The dinner had originally been scheduled for April at the Washington Hilton but was abandoned after a gunman fired a shotgun while attempting to pass through a security checkpoint outside the ballroom.
The rescheduled gathering was held at a smaller venue under significantly tighter security. It honoured Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, who was wounded while helping to stop the attack, as well as hotel employees who assisted guests.
Trump condemned political violence and thanked the security personnel involved.
He ended by placing a red “Trump 2028” cap on his head and joking that he intended to run again. The US constitution limits presidents to two elected terms.
The moment reflected the competing themes of the evening: a traditional celebration of journalism transformed into a characteristically unpredictable mixture of comedy, confrontation and political campaigning.
Newshub Editorial in North America – 25 July 2026
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