WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – President Donald Trump addressed reporters, officials, and guests on Friday at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner. The high-profile event, which took place at the Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue, had been abruptly halted three months prior after a shooting disrupted the annual gathering. Delivering a speech that lasted more than an hour, Trump alternated between praise for the press and sharp personal insults directed at his political opponents and specific media figures.
A Return Under Heavy Security
The dinner was originally scheduled for April at the Washington Hilton, but it devolved into chaos when authorities say Cole Allen opened fire inside the venue. The shooting occurred before the main program—which traditionally features journalism awards, presidential remarks, and entertainment—could begin. Trump and several high-ranking government officials were in attendance during the initial incident, which sent thousands of guests fleeing.
Following the security breach, the Secret Service implemented heightened security measures for Friday’s rescheduled event. Secret Service Director Sean Curran confirmed that an advance team had thoroughly secured the Waldorf Astoria, while agency spokesman Anthony Guglielmi noted a highly visible security presence. Allen, the accused shooter, pleaded not guilty in May to charges including the attempted assassination of the president, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon.
A Speech of Contrasts: Praise and Personal Attacks
Trump began his remarks by reflecting on the trauma of the April shooting, declaring that “the show must go on” and framing the rescheduled dinner as a collective refusal to yield to political violence. Prior to the dinner, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the upcoming address as “unifying yet vicious,” a prediction that aligned closely with the president’s actual delivery.
At times, Trump offered uncharacteristic praise for the White House press corps, stating he had “tremendous respect” for their profession and acknowledging that they sometimes treat him fairly. However, the tone quickly shifted as the president began criticizing individual reporters by name and launching attacks against prominent Democratic figures. Using familiar derogatory nicknames, Trump targeted former President Joe Biden, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, and California Senator Adam Schiff. He also used the platform to defend the ongoing military conflict in Iran and discuss various White House renovation projects.
The Constitutional Joke and the Political Landscape
The climax of the speech occurred in its final moments when Trump joked about extending his presidency. Claiming he had a “scoop” for the audience, Trump pulled out a red baseball cap emblazoned with “Trump 2028” and jokingly announced his intention to run for another term. Under the 22nd Amendment of the United States Constitution, presidents are strictly limited to serving two terms, making any such bid legally impossible.
The crowd’s reaction to the hour-long speech was described as muted at times, though attendees applauded the president’s commendation of law enforcement. Vice President JD Vance did not attend the dinner, with sources confirming his absence was due to the birth of his fourth child with his wife, Usha Vance, earlier in the week. The evening’s entertainment was provided by mentalist Oz Pearlman, who returned to complete the performance that had been interrupted in April.
Honoring Bravery Amid Trauma
A central focus of the evening was honoring those who responded to the April shooting. During the incident, Secret Service Officer Victor Gonzales was shot in his protective vest but continued to engage the active shooter. Trump saluted Gonzales during his speech, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
The WHCA presented the President’s Award for Exceptional Service to Officer Gonzales and the staff of the Washington Hilton. Former WHCA President Weijia Jiang, who presided over the April event, praised Gonzales for running toward danger to protect thousands of guests. Jiang also commended the Hilton staff for maintaining professionalism and caring for attendees despite experiencing a highly traumatic situation.