President Donald Trump delivered a mixed-toned speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on July 24, 2026, acknowledging the April shooting that disrupted the event while launching sharp attacks on the press and Democrats, including targeted remarks about Rep. Ilhan Omar and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
President Donald Trump opened his remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on July 24, 2026, with a measured tribute to the law enforcement officials who responded to the April shooting that forced the event’s postponement, but quickly shifted to his signature combative tone, targeting journalists, Democrats, and public figures. The speech, delivered at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, marked his first time speaking at the dinner after previously boycotting the event, with Trump acknowledging the attempt that occurred during the original event in April while also vowing to “rip people” if he had not scaled back his remarks.
A Measured Tribute and Sharp Attacks
Trump began his speech by honoring the law enforcement officials who responded to the April attack, when shots were fired near the security screening area at the Washington Hilton. As I said three months ago, the show must go on,
he said. However, his tone quickly shifted as he targeted the press corps and Democratic opponents. He also reiterated his push for a new White House ballroom, claiming it would be very large and very beautiful and very safe, and that’s what you need.
The president’s remarks included attacks on Democratic figures, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump also mocked late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel. His speech, which lasted just over an hour, drew reactions from the audience, with some attendees laughing at his jokes and others reacting quietly as the insults mounted.
A Rambling, Insult-Filled Address
The Associated Press described Trump’s speech as “rambling” and “insult-filled,” with the president making potshots at individuals like Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, and Barack Hussein Obama.
He also quipped about a potential third presidential term, joking, And the third time will be better yet,
before donning a red cap that said “Trump 2028” and delivering the “scoop” that he was running again. Trump claimed he had scrapped the most biting parts of his original speech, which he had prepared for the April event, but still delivered sharp criticisms of the press and political opponents.
He also addressed the media directly, asking, Do I have a say in those awards?
after acknowledging the journalism awards handed out earlier in the evening, most of them for stories challenging him and his administration. The president’s mentions of the Iran war and his White House ballroom project further appeared in his remarks.
Reactions and Implications
Trump’s return to the dinner marked a notable moment in his relationship with the news media, which he has attacked, sued and taken administrative action against since he began his second term early last year. The event provided a platform for him to critique journalists and Democrats while also addressing the security concerns raised by the April shooting.
The speech’s tone and content reflected Trump’s address. The event also underscored the ongoing interactions between the president and the press.
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