Trump confirms Netanyahu visit, criticizes media and jokes about third term

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington next week. Netanyahu's office previously announced his travel to the U.S. capital, with a meeting with Trump set for Tuesday. The Israeli prime minister is also expected to attend the funeral of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

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

Trump made these comments while addressing a rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The event, held three months after an assassination attempt disrupted it, saw Trump deliver a speech that included sharp criticism of the "fake news media" and lighthearted remarks about serving a third term. He described the attendees as "the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time."

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The show must go on.

Despite an initial conciliatory tone reflecting on the April attack, Trump quickly pivoted to criticizing perceived enemies, starting with journalists and then targeting Democratic opponents. He also revisited the idea of a third term, jokingly pulling out a red "Trump 2028" cap and announcing his "intention to run for a fourth term." The president also referred to U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, who is Jewish, as Palestinian, stating he would send him a "beautiful Palestinian outfit." This remark has drawn criticism from Muslim and Jewish advocacy groups, who have previously accused Trump of using the term disrespectfully as a slur.

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

Much of Trump's hour-long speech resembled his campaign-style rallies, complete with joking criticisms of his speechwriters when certain lines did not land well. However, he concluded by expressing "tremendous respect" for the journalists present.

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I am going to ‌send him [Schumer] a ⁠beautiful Palestinian outfit tomorrow, so he can greet Bibi Netanyahu when he comes to town next week. He turned Palestinian.