The White House Correspondents’ Association held its annual dinner on Friday at the Waldorf Astoria after the original event was cancelled three months ago due to a shooting incident. The rescheduled gathering brought together reporters from major news outlets with whom President Trump has had public disputes, including the New York Times, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal.
Trump’s remarks struck a balance between traditional humor and pointed criticism. He opened with lighter commentary, noting that “the second time is always better” and expressing respect for much of the media present. However, his tone shifted as he directed barbs at what he termed “fake news” and suggested many attendees suffered from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The president also made repeated jokes about seeking additional terms in office, despite constitutional limits on presidential tenure.
The event reflected heightened security measures following the April incident. Approximately 700 people attended, significantly fewer than the 2,000-plus who would normally gather for the dinner. Multiple security blocks surrounded the venue, with visible police and National Guard presence. Guests underwent two rounds of screening with QR codes and identification, receiving wristbands and passing through single-file lines past armed Secret Service officers.
WHCA President Weijia Jiang of CBS News announced plans to return the dinner to the original venue, the Washington Hilton, next year. Trump presented an award to Secret Service officer Victor Gonzalez, who was injured during the April shooting. The president also used his platform to call for respect of free speech and debate, stating that differences should be settled through “open and vigorous debate” rather than violence. Multiple cabinet members attended the event, including the Defence Secretary and acting Attorney General.
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