According to the Financial Times, US President Donald Trump delivered an hour-long speech to top media figures at a stripped-down White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington on Friday evening. The rescheduled event followed the abrupt cancellation of the original April gathering after a gunman fired shots into the ballroom.
Tensions Surface at the Waldorf Astoria
During the Friday evening gathering, Trump told journalists they had no idea how lucky they were to have him in office, asserting that the press would “be broke” once he leaves the political arena. According to the Financial Times, the president remarked that there would “not be anybody to report on” and claimed that “nobody gives a damn about anybody else.” The speech drew a muted reception from the crowd, highlighting the long-standing friction between the administration and the US press corps. Trump has frequently labeled mainstream media outlets as “fake news” and the “enemy of the people,” while also utilizing legal action and regulatory threats via the Federal Communications Commission against media companies.
Legal Shifts and Press Scrutiny Preceding the Dinner
The event occurred just one day after the US Department of Justice withdrew subpoenas issued to the New York Times, according to the Financial Times. Those subpoenas had demanded phone records of journalists who reported on the security capabilities of an aircraft donated to Trump by the Qatari government. Prior to taking the podium, Trump sat with a stern expression as organizers presented awards to journalists whose reporting critically examined his administration. Among the recipients was CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins, known for her frequent clashes with the president.
Rally-Style Attacks and Audience Targets
Opening with light banter, Trump quickly shifted into a rally-style delivery. According to the Financial Times, he targeted the mental acuity of California Governor Gavin Newsom, former President Joe Biden, and 2024 rival Kamala Harris, while making remarks about the physical weight of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and former Republican governor of New Jersey Chris Christie. Turning his attention to journalists in the room, Trump singled out CNN’s Kaitlan Collins. “She’s a young, attractive woman. She never smiles,” Trump said, according to the Financial Times transcript. “I said, ‘Kaitlan, do you have a smile?’ Smile.” He also directed comments toward health secretary Robert F Kennedy jnr, sitting in the audience, referencing a past anecdote about roadkill. Later, Trump joked about seeking a third presidential term, donning a Trump 2028 baseball cap and remarking that running for president had become easy.
Did You Know? Donald Trump previously attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as a guest during Barack Obama’s presidency, where Obama delivered remarks targeting Trump—an evening Trump noted he enjoyed despite popular speculation regarding his political ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the White House Correspondents’ Dinner rescheduled?
The original event scheduled for April was abruptly canceled after a gunman fired shots into the ballroom, according to the Financial Times.
Which journalists were recognized at the event?
CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins was among the journalists who received an award for pieces critical of the administration, according to the Financial Times.
What did Trump say regarding a third term?
According to the Financial Times, Trump joked that he would run for a third term and put on a Trump 2028 baseball cap during his address.