United States President Donald Trump drew laughter at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday after joking that he plans to seek a fourth presidential term, despite the US Constitution limiting presidents to two elected terms.
The light-hearted remark came during Trump’s first appearance at the annual event, where he mixed humour with criticism of the media while addressing a room filled with journalists, politicians and public officials.
During his hour-long speech, Trump teased the audience by announcing what he described as a “scoop.”
“I’m pleased to announce my intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States,” he joked.
Moments later, the president pulled out a red “Trump 2028” cap and placed it on his head, prompting laughter from guests at the event.
Although the comment was clearly made in jest, it echoed previous remarks in which Trump has jokingly hinted at serving beyond the constitutional two-term limit.
Constitution Bars Third Presidential Term
Under the 22nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, no individual can be elected president more than twice.
As a result, Trump cannot legally seek a third elected term, making his remarks a humorous dig at both his critics and ongoing public speculation about his political future.
This year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner was originally scheduled for April but was postponed following an alleged assassination attempt targeting the US president.
The event was later held under heightened security at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington.
Speaking at the dinner, outgoing White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang said the event symbolised resilience in the face of violence.
“We are back. We will not be intimidated,” she said.
Trump also condemned political violence during his remarks, declaring that no act of violence would derail democratic institutions.
“We do not yield to political violence. No deranged loser with a gun will ever change that,” he said.
Trump Takes Aim At Media, Rivals And RFK Jr.
While maintaining a largely friendly tone throughout the evening, Trump also revived his familiar criticism of what he often describes as the “fake news media.”
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He poked fun at several journalists in attendance and took humorous swipes at political opponents.
The president also joked about his Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., telling guests that Kennedy had personally supplied the beef served at the dinner after “running over the cow.”
Trump continued the joke by claiming Kennedy suggested serving raccoon roadkill as an appetizer before adding, “We drew the line at that.”
He later praised Kennedy, saying, “We love Bobby… but he is a very different kind of person.”
Turning back to the journalists in attendance, Trump ended another joke by quipping that many reporters had struggled to match their formal outfits with bulletproof vests.
“I know it wasn’t easy finding shoes to go along with your bulletproof vest,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.