Just like my presidency, the second time is always better—and the third time will be better yet. I’m only kidding
By Moses Okorie
U.S. President Donald Trump mixed humour with sharp criticism of the media during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner, reaffirming his commitment to press freedom while aiming at news organisations he frequently accuses of biased reporting.
The annual event, which celebrates journalism and the role of a free press, was held at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington after the original April dinner was cancelled following a shooting at the Washington Hilton, the traditional venue.
Addressing journalists, government officials and guests on Friday, Trump opened his remarks on a light-hearted note, joking that “the second time is always better” and saying he respected “most” members of the media.
However, his speech soon shifted to familiar criticisms, as he accused sections of the press of promoting “fake news” and suffering from what he described as “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
In a playful moment that drew laughter from the audience, Trump displayed a “Trump 2028” campaign cap and joked about serving a third presidential term.
“As I said three months ago, the show must go on,” the president said.
“Just like my presidency, the second time is always better—and the third time will be better yet. I’m only kidding,” he added.
Despite his longstanding disputes with several major media organisations, including The New York Times, CNN and The Wall Street Journal, Trump personally congratulated award recipients during the ceremony.
Among those honoured was a Wall Street Journal investigative team recognised for its reporting on Trump’s past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In her address, outgoing WHCA President Weijia Jiang of CBS News announced that next year’s correspondents’ dinner would return to the Washington Hilton, despite concerns over security following the April shooting.
She said the association would “refuse to let an act of violence have the final word,” stressing the importance of preserving the long-standing tradition of the annual gathering.
Trump also presented an award to U.S. Secret Service officer Victor Gonzalez, who was injured while confronting the gunman during the April incident.
Although many members of the White House press corps had anticipated a confrontational address, the president alternated between jokes and pointed attacks throughout his hour-long speech, directing criticism at journalists, Democratic politicians and several public figures.
At the same time, Trump emphasised the importance of protecting freedom of speech and resolving political differences peacefully.
“We settle our differences not with bullets, but with open and vigorous debate,” he said. “And no deranged loser with a gun will ever change that. We can’t let that ever happen.”
The president ended the evening on a lighter note, joking with reporters that he sometimes believes “some of you don’t like me,” drawing laughter from the audience as the annual celebration concluded.