President Donald Trump took the stage for an hour-long speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner this past Friday. According to The Guardian, the event was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, DC, three months after an alleged assassination attempt forced the original dinner to be abandoned in April. This time, the US Secret Service implemented a major security cordon around the venue to ensure the safety of all attendees. It was a speech filled with political attacks, quips, and barbs. One of the stranger quips was when he joked that the news industry would “be broke” after his term as president. Per NBC News, he said, “There’s not going to be anybody to report on. Nobody gives a damn about anybody else. That’s why tonight to show just how much I care about the press, and I want to save your ratings.” He then pulled out a “Trump 2028” hat and slipped it on. Trump reportedly joked, “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. I will be doing that.” Interestingly, he started his speech with a similar quip. “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet,” he said, before adding that he was kidding. It wasn’t the only time he touched on term limits in the speech Since the beginning of this term, Trump has consistently talked about running for a third term. Despite that, earlier in the evening, NBC reported that Trump attempted to discuss the importance of term limits in Congress. “And all joking aside, I do think we need term limits in Congress. I think term limits are very important because I see what’s happening. I see what’s happening,” Trump said. “The other day, a senator I knew got a text, a great guy, from his wife, and she said, ‘When you get home, I want to have you immediately come up the stairs and make love to me,’ and he said, ‘I can’t do both.'”When the room remained quiet, the outlet noted that Trump grew frustrated with the lack of reaction. “You know what? You know. In other words, can’t go up the stairs and make love. Does anybody get that?” he asked. "I won three times — now I'm going to do it again." 4 more years? pic.twitter.com/Y715TjNq2f— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 25, 2026 He then reportedly lambasted his own speechwriters for the lack of laughter, saying, “I thought that was actually pretty good. That was actually the only thing I thought was good in this whole freaking stupid speech that they wrote. That was the only good one, and that went down with not exactly great laughter.” The evening was a significant departure from the usual traditions, as the event was moved to a smaller venue following the incident at the Washington Hilton. In fact, many critics, like Piers Morgan, had questioned the perceived security failures that allowed a gunman to get so close. France 24 reported that the dinner also served as a moment to honor Victor Gonzales, a Secret Service officer who was shot and wounded while stopping the gunman during the April event. Per their report, Trump began his remarks by acknowledging the circumstances, noting that the show must go on. However, he quickly pivoted to his familiar style of lashing out at the media. He told the gala that the room was filled with the largest group of people with Trump derangement syndrome ever assembled. President Trump jokes about serving third term at White House Correspondents' Dinner: "But just like my presidency, the second time is always better, and the third time will be better yet." pic.twitter.com/45Yn52UUUv— CSPAN (@cspan) July 25, 2026 The Guardian noted that the president’s speech was a mix of lighthearted, sarcastic commentary and pointed insults toward political rivals and critics. Trump aimed at figures like Chris Christie and Jerry Nadler, mocking their weight, and ridiculed the appearance of Bruce Springsteen. He also targeted CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins, claiming she does not smile enough, and expressed his disdain for Adam Schiff. Throughout the hour, he frequently referred to the media as purveyors of “fake news.” Later, however, he insisted he respected the work journalists do. Throughout the night, the president seemed to recycle themes from his campaign rallies. He joked about his frequent interactions with reporters. The president claimed that he always provides access because it is the only way to avoid a bad story. White House Correspondents' Association President Weija Jiang opening remarks at White House Correspondents' Dinner: "We are back, we will not be intimidated, we refuse to let an act of violence have the final word." pic.twitter.com/cnYj2pP28W— CSPAN (@cspan) July 24, 2026 According to France 24, the president even laughed while shaking hands with a team from the Wall Street Journal. He has been locked in ongoing legal battles with the publication over their reporting on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As the night concluded, the president maintained that he planned to return to the dinner again next year.