WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump condemned political violence but repeatedly attacked journalists during his first appearance as president at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Friday’s gathering was rescheduled after a gunman opened fire outside the original April event, wounding a Secret Service agent and forcing attendees to evacuate. Trump said Americans must resolve political disagreements through debate rather than violence and thanked those who responded to the attack.
His hourlong address began with jokes about himself, the Waldorf Astoria venue and heightened security. The tone later shifted as Trump revived complaints about “fake news,” criticized prominent Democrats and targeted CNN journalists Kaitlan Collins and Jake Tapper by name.
CNN issued a statement during the speech defending its reporters and emphasizing constitutional protections for journalism. Trump nevertheless claimed he supported a free press despite the “trouble” reporters caused him.
Several potentially awkward moments followed. Wall Street Journal journalists received an award for reporting about a letter Trump allegedly sent Jeffrey Epstein, while New York Times reporter Tyler Pager was honored days after the Justice Department subpoenaed him over Air Force One reporting.
Trump concluded by wearing a “Trump 2028” hat and joking about seeking another term despite the Constitution’s two-term limit.
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