US President Donald Trump on Friday night addressed hundreds of journalists in a shortened and rescheduled event at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The ceremony was held amid heightened security measures, three months after the original event was cut short due to an alleged attempt to assassinate Trump.
Trump spoke at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, a smaller venue than his usual venue, the Washington Hilton, which held only 700 people.
Trump jokes about a possible third term
Trump said, “Like my presidency, it’s always better the second time. It’s always better.” “And the third time will be even better.”
He added, “I’m just kidding.”
Trump has repeatedly suggested he would consider the idea of a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution prohibiting a president from being elected more than twice.
Trump sheds light on shooting incident, praises Secret Service officer
Trump also mocked an incident during the April ceremony, when a gunman tried to storm a security checkpoint but was stopped by security before he could enter the ballroom where the dinner was being held.
“After hearing the gunshots, several people shouted, ‘Get down! Get down!’, causing Nicki Minaj to squirm. Can you believe it? Get down!” Trump said.
The president also praised Secret Service officer Victor Gonzalez, who was shot during a confrontation with a suspect in April. “What he did was amazing,” Trump said. “We salute you and thank you with all our hearts.”
What else did Trump say during the White House correspondents’ dinner?
This year’s events were Trump’s first as president. He did not attend any correspondents’ dinner during his first term.
Trump said he did not attend the previous dinner because he was “treated unfairly” by the press, although he promised to return next year.
The US President has long had a hostile relationship with many journalists and media outlets.
During his speech, he attacked some journalists, including CNN’s Kaitlyn Collins – whom Trump had repeatedly complained did not smile enough – and Josh Dawsey. Wall Street Journal. Both were honored with journalism awards at the ceremony.
Despite those criticisms, Trump concluded his more than an hour-long speech by saying he had “the utmost respect” for the journalists attending the dinner.
Trump said, “I have a lot of respect for the people in this room. Sometimes I don’t think you treat me fairly. Maybe you do. I don’t know.”
trump vs media
The Trump administration has filed lawsuits against several media outlets, banned the Associated Press from the White House press pool and restricted journalists’ access to the Pentagon, among other measures.
Trump has said the measures are intended to improve accountability and address media bias.
Speaking in the Oval Office on Friday, he defended the federal subpoena — which was later withdrawn new York Times Journalist about his reporting on the security of the new Air Force One donated by Qatar.
Trump said, “We’re not after journalists. We’re after leakers. We’re after people who are cowards, people who are not patriots, people who are traitors in many cases. And the way you find them is through journalists.”
Edited by: Carl Sexton
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