Trump lashes out at "fake news" at the White House Correspondents Dinner

President Donald Trump, 80, launched a sharp critique against what he called "fake news media" during his remarks at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday, July 25, 2026. The event took place three months after an attempted assassination forced him to evacuate the previous gathering in April. Trump’s speech was marked by a mix of conciliation and pointed attacks on journalists, political opponents, and critics of his administration. The president began with a relatively measured tone, reflecting on the chaotic evacuation caused by an armed man who opened fire at the Washington Hilton, where the dinner had originally been held. He acknowledged the incident, saying, "The show must go on," before pivoting into a broader attack on his detractors. His comments ranged from criticism of the press to personal barbs directed at Democratic rivals and even comedians he has previously targeted. Trump revived the controversial notion of seeking a third presidential term, despite constitutional prohibitions against such a move. He claimed he was joking when he said, "Just kidding," though later reiterated his intention to run again, stating, "I’m going to run for a fourth term as president of the United States." This remark came amid heightened security measures, including police and National Guard presence around the Waldorf Astoria, which replaced the Hilton due to safety concerns following the earlier shooting. The dinner took place under strict security protocols, with attendees required to scan a QR code and show identification upon arrival. Guests lined up in long queues outside the hotel, while Secret Service Director Sean Curran was spotted monitoring arrivals at the entrance. Despite these precautions, the atmosphere inside remained tense, with Trump’s rhetoric drawing mixed reactions from those in attendance. During his hour-long address, Trump delivered a series of insults and personal jabs, targeting figures such as Senator Adam Schiff, whom he referred to as having a head "larger than I have ever seen on the smallest neck." He also criticized Governor Gavin Newsom of California, accusing him of promoting policies that contribute to wildfires and drug addiction among homeless populations. Trump further mocked comedian Jimmy Kimmel, calling him and others in the industry "people filled with anger" and lacking genuine talent. The president also introduced a new term, "dumocrats," a play on "dumb" and "democrats," suggesting that many in the party lack intelligence. He emphasized this point by noting that most people would not recognize the correct spelling of "dumb," implying that the term could gain traction without causing concern. In a veiled warning to the media, Trump suggested that without his leadership, the news industry would face collapse. "When I'm not here, you're all going to be ruined," he declared, adding, "There won't be anyone to report on. Nobody cares about anyone else." Despite his combative tone, Trump expressed respect for the journalists present, acknowledging their role in the public sphere. However, he made it clear that he viewed them as adversaries, stating, "I feel a great deal of respect for you all, but when I'm not here, you'll be in ruins." The event marked Trump's return to the White House Correspondents' Dinner after years of strained relations with the press. He indicated he intended to attend future editions of the event, signaling a potential shift in his approach toward the media. Security remained tight throughout the evening, with traffic restricted and a large perimeter established around the venue. The change in location to the Waldorf Astoria, once a Trump-owned property, underscored the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the president and guests.