US President Donald Trump used his WHCA speech to attack journalists and joke about a constitutionally barred third term in Washington on Friday, July 24.
Trump addressed the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Waldorf Astoria. A gunman disrupted the original event at the Washington Hilton on April 25, forcing organisers to postpone the programme.
The president began by reflecting on the shooting and declaring that “the show must go on.” He then criticised journalists, Democratic opponents and other public figures during an hour-long speech.
Trump also reacted to journalism awards presented for reporting on his second presidency. Several winning reports had scrutinised his administration and personal connections.
The president revived speculation about another term by saying the second time was better and the third would be better still. He immediately added that he was joking.
President Trump jokes about serving third term at White House Correspondents' Dinner: "But just like my presidency, the second time is always better, and the third time will be better yet." pic.twitter.com/45Yn52UUUv
— CSPAN (@cspan) July 25, 2026Trump later displayed a red “Trump 2028” cap and joked that he intended to run for a fourth term. The US Constitution’s 22nd Amendment prevents anyone from being elected president more than twice.
The dinner marked Trump’s first appearance at the annual media gala as president after years of hostile relations with major news organisations. He ended his remarks by expressing respect for journalists while joking that media outlets would struggle financially after he left office.
Organisers moved the dinner to a smaller venue and introduced tighter security. Police and National Guard officers closed nearby roads, while guests passed identification checks and other screening measures.
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The association honoured Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales and Washington Hilton staff for their response to the April attack. Authorities said Gonzales confronted the armed suspect and continued responding after a bullet struck his protective vest.
Outgoing WHCA president Weijia Jiang said the association would not allow violence to intimidate the press. Incoming president Jacqui Heinrich said the dinner would return to the Washington Hilton next year.
California resident Cole Allen, 31, has pleaded not guilty to charges that include attempting to kill the president. Secret Service Director Sean Curran said threats against senior US officials were at exceptionally high levels.
