5 standout moments from Trump’s fiery WHCA dinner speech

President Trump addressed the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington on Friday evening. This event marked his first appearance before the group as president, occurring three months after the initial date was postponed following an assassination attempt on his life in April. The evening began with a formal tribute to law enforcement and hotel staff who secured the venue during that incident. Officer Victor Gonzales received the WHCA President’s Award for Exceptional Service after sustaining injuries while engaging the gunman. The president expressed gratitude to the Secret Service agents who protected his family and guests. During his remarks, President Trump combined self-deprecating humor with pointed jabs at media outlets and political rivals. He famously pulled out a red hat with the slogan Trump 2028, sparking laughter and speculation about his future political intentions, though he later clarified the move was a joke. He also addressed his ongoing legal dispute with the Wall Street Journal regarding reports on his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. While the president attempted several roasts directed at Joe Biden, Gavin Newsom, and various other political figures, some of his lines received a quiet response from the crowd. He acknowledged the tension in the room, remarking at one point that it was not an easy evening for him. Despite the fluctuating reception to his prepared jokes, the event maintained a focus on the resilience of the press and the return to normalcy following the chaos of the spring. The evening concluded with an unconventional performance by mentalist Oz Pearlman, whose mind-reading feats captivated the audience. His segment drew significant engagement from political figures present, including Attorney General Todd Blanche and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz, providing a memorable close to the dinner.