Trump attends rescheduled press dinner, criticizes media after shooting scare

President Donald Trump addressed the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, a rescheduled event that had been postponed in April due to a shooting at a security checkpoint. Trump's speech began with a seemingly conciliatory tone before pivoting to sharp criticism of the media, his political adversaries, and allegations of a rigged 2020 election.

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As I said three months ago, the show must go on.

Trump, who had previously boycotted the annual gala, joked about the media being "enemies of the people" and referred to the dinner as the "biggest gathering of people with Trump derangement syndrome." He also quipped about a potential third presidential run, stating, "As with my term, the second time is always better. And the third time is even better," before clarifying he was joking.

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You were really in mortal danger last time. But on the other hand, it saved your careers.

The rescheduled dinner, held at the Waldorf Astoria with enhanced security, featured the WHCA presenting awards. Notably, journalists who had published critical reports on Trump's administration received accolades. The event also honored a Secret Service agent and hotel staff present during the April shooting incident.

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This was the biggest gathering of people with Trump derangement syndrome.

Despite his criticisms, Trump concluded his hour-long address by expressing "immense respect" for the journalists, acknowledging their work. He humorously suggested they would all be broke without him. The dinner proceeded with a more subdued atmosphere, lacking the usual red carpet and pre-dinner receptions, reflecting the earlier security concerns.

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As with my term, the second time is always better. And the third time is even better.