**Trump Returns to White House Correspondents' Dinner After April Incident**
*By Nathan Rennolds, Euronews World*
*Published on 25/07/2026 - 10:39 GMT+2*
US President Donald Trump made a notable return to the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday night, marking his first appearance since a security incident forced the cancellation of the event originally scheduled for April. The evening was characterized by an atmosphere of levity, with Trump engaging in a mix of humor and pointed critiques directed at the media.
"I am delighted to be here," Trump opened his speech, addressing the audience which included journalists, politicians, and celebrities. He acknowledged the mixed sentiments in the room, saying, "Amazing people. A lot of people that I like. Some I don't like at all." This statement set the tone for an evening that oscillated between light-hearted banter and sharper jabs at specific individuals and groups.
The April dinner was abruptly halted when an armed individual attempted to breach security. In response, the rescheduled event featured heightened security measures and a significantly smaller guest list compared to the original gathering. Despite the changes, Trump appeared to be in high spirits throughout the evening.
During his hour-long address, Trump made a series of jokes about the media, often referring to what he calls "Trump derangement syndrome." He remarked, "This place is really the largest group of 'Trump derangement syndrome' people ever put together at one time," eliciting laughter from the audience. He also quipped about the possibility of serving a third term in office, a topic that has been a source of speculation among his supporters and critics alike.
The Correspondents' Dinner, organized by the White House Correspondents' Association, is traditionally a celebration of the free press, providing a platform for journalists to engage with political figures in a more relaxed setting. However, Trump's relationship with the media has been tumultuous, marked by frequent criticisms and legal actions against various outlets.
In the lead-up to the dinner, Trump expressed frustration over major networks like NBC and ABC for not broadcasting his prime-time address, labeling them as "fake news." He stated, "Fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses," highlighting his ongoing grievances with media coverage of his presidency.
Trump's contentious interactions with late-night television hosts have also been a recurring theme. He has publicly criticized figures such as Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel, often taking to social media to express his discontent. Following Kimmel's temporary suspension from air, Trump celebrated the decision, calling it "Great News for America."
The evening concluded with a mix of applause and laughter, illustrating the complex relationship between Trump and the media. While the dinner served as a moment of levity, it also underscored the ongoing tensions that characterize Trump's presidency and his interactions with the press.
As the event wrapped up, the atmosphere remained charged with the duality of celebration and contention, a fitting reflection of the current state of American political discourse.