Trump Attacks ‘Fake News’ at Rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner

US President Donald Trump used the rescheduled 2026 White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) Dinner on Friday night to launch fresh attacks on the American media, revive his familiar jokes about seeking another term in office and reflect on the assassination attempt that forced the postponement of the annual event earlier this year.

Speaking before journalists, media executives and public officials at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, Trump initially struck a conciliatory tone, recalling the April attack that interrupted the original dinner after a gunman opened fire near the venue.

"The show must go on," Trump told the audience.

The annual dinner, traditionally held every spring, was postponed after the security incident prompted Secret Service agents to evacuate the president from the Washington Hilton, where the event was originally scheduled.

After briefly acknowledging the attack, Trump quickly reverted to familiar criticism of the press, accusing journalists of unfair coverage and reviving one of his long-standing political themes.

"This place is really the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time," he said.

The president later mocked award-winning investigative reporting into his administration, including stories examining his relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Following applause for journalists honoured during the ceremony, Trump quipped:

"This has not been an easy evening, all these awards."

Despite the criticism, he ended his remarks by acknowledging the role of the media.

"I have tremendous respect for you," Trump said, before adding with a smile, "When I'm gone you're all going to be broke."

Trump also returned to one of his recurring political talking points by joking about serving beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

"Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet," he said before adding, "I'm only kidding."

Moments later, however, he escalated the joke by producing a red "Trump 2028" cap and telling the audience:

"I'm pleased to announce my intention to, and this is somewhat of a scoop my intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States."

The remarks drew a mixture of laughter and groans from the audience.

Under the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, presidents are limited to two elected terms, making another Trump candidacy constitutionally impossible unless the Constitution is amended.

Friday's event took place amid extensive security measures following the April shooting.

Roads around the Waldorf Astoria were sealed off by police and National Guard personnel, while the US Secret Service maintained a significant security presence throughout the evening.

The venue itself was changed from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria, a property formerly owned by Trump's business organization to accommodate enhanced security requirements.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran, who attended the event, defended the agency's response to the April attack, insisting the security system functioned as intended by preventing the suspect from reaching the main venue.

Curran nevertheless acknowledged that threats against senior US government officials remain exceptionally high.

"The threat picture and environment is as large as I've ever seen it," he said.

Opening the event, outgoing WHCA President Weijia Jiang said the association was determined not to allow violence to derail one of Washington's longest-running traditions.

"Let's try this again," Jiang told guests.

"Tonight our message is this: We are back. We will not be intimidated. We will not let an act of violence have the final word."

Incoming WHCA President Jacqui Heinrich confirmed that the annual dinner is expected to return to the Washington Hilton next year.

The White House Correspondents Association Dinner has traditionally served as a rare occasion where presidents, journalists and political leaders gather for speeches, awards and light-hearted exchanges.

Relations between Trump and much of the American press have remained deeply strained throughout both of his presidencies. During his first administration, he skipped every WHCA dinner, frequently describing mainstream media organisations as "fake news" and "the enemy of the people."

Friday's appearance marked his first attendance at the event since returning to the White House and came against the backdrop of heightened political tensions, ongoing legal controversies and an increasingly charged US election environment.