Trump returns to WHCA dinner, targets media

US president mixes humour, insults, political jibes at rescheduled event three months after April shooting

Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time will be better yet. I’m only kidding. When I’m not around, you’re all (journalists) gonna be broke.

Donald Trump, POTUS

Washington: US President Donald Trump returned to the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Friday, delivering a rambling hour-long speech that mixed humour with attacks on journalists, political rivals and celebrities, while briefly acknowledging the April shooting that forced the event’s postponement.

In his opening remarks, Trump referred to the attack that disrupted the original dinner before quickly shifting to lighter fare. “As I said three months ago, the show must go on,” he said, calling the incident “the attempted mass murder” that could have occurred that night.

Trump said he had discarded the harsher version of the speech prepared for April. “That was going to be a doozy,” he remarked.

The president targeted several public figures, including former President Barack Obama, actor Jane Fonda, musician Bruce Springsteen, late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, Califor­nia Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Ilhan Omar. He joked about a possible third presidential term, before adding, “I’m only kidding,” and later donned a red “Trump 2028” cap.

The appearance marked a rare moment of engagement with a press corps that Trump has frequently criticised, sued and restricted during his second term. Journalists attending the dinner have faced legal and administrative action from his administration.

Earlier, outgoing WHCA president Weijia Jiang welcomed guests and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to press freedom. “Tonight our message is this: We are back. We will not be intimidated. We refuse to let an act of violence have the final word,” she said.

The scaled-down event, attended by about 700 guests under tight security, also honoured Secret Service agent Victor Gonzales, who was injured while confronting the April gunman, and staff of the Washington Hilton for their response during the attack.

Ending on a lighter note, Trump told journalists: “I have a lot of respect for your profession.”

—AP