Trump dons ‘Trump 2028’ hat, jokes about fourth-term run and says he ‘won three times’ at WHCD

President Donald Trump addressed journalists at the rescheduled dinner, taking aim at the media and discussing politics during his lengthy remarks
President Donald Trump put on a ‘TRUMP 2028’ hat while joking about a possible fourth-term run during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump put on a ‘TRUMP 2028’ hat while joking about a possible fourth-term run during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump wore a red ‘Trump 2028’ hat and joked about running for a fourth term during his speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday, marking his first appearance at the event since returning to office after skipping the dinner during his first term.

The dinner, held at the Waldorf Astoria instead of its usual venue at the Washington Hilton, was postponed from its original April date after a security incident forced an evacuation during an earlier event. The rescheduled gathering featured heightened security and a smaller ballroom setting.

Trump jokes about fourth-term run while wearing ‘Trump 2028’ hat

"I'm pleased to announce my intention to, and this is somewhat of a scoop, my intention to run for a fourth term as president of the United States. I will be doing that," Trump told the audience before adding, "It should be easy. I'm getting very good at running for president.

Trump then repeated his claim about his election victories, saying, "Now I won three times. Did very well the second time, by the way. It's a rigged election, but we'll have to talk about it."



Trump also joked earlier about a possible third term, saying, "Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time will be better yet," before adding, "I'm only kidding."

The remarks referenced the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two elected terms.

Trump takes aim at media during White House dinner speech

Trump opened his remarks by targeting the media industry and joking about journalists' reliance on coverage of his presidency.

"You people have no idea how lucky you are. When I'm gone, you're all going to be broke. Your business model is going to be finished. There's not going to be anybody to report on. Nobody gives a damn about anybody else. That's why tonight, to show just how much I care about the press, and I want to save your ratings," Trump said.

He then moved into his fourth-term joke.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Donald Trump puts on a TRUMP 2028 hat while speaking during the re-scheduled White House Correspondents Dinner in the Presidential Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria on July 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The annual gala hosted by the White House Correspondents Association was re-scheduled to tonight after the original event in April was cut short when an armed man, later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, attempted to get past a Secret Service checkpoint. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump put on a ‘TRUMP 2028’ hat while speaking at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC (Eric Lee/Getty Images)

Trump calls for congressional term limits after WHCD remarks

Trump later shifted from jokes about his own political future to calling for term limits in Congress.

"And all joking aside, I do think we need term limits in Congress," Trump said. "I think term limits are very important because I see what's happening."

He also delivered a joke about a senator receiving a message from his wife, but the line received little reaction from the audience.

Trump addressed the silence, saying, "You know what? You know. In other words, can't go up the stairs and make love. Does anybody get that?"

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the re-scheduled White House Correspondents Dinner in the Presidential Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria on July 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The annual gala hosted by the White House Correspondents Association was re-scheduled to tonight after the original event in April was cut short when an armed man, later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, attempted to get past a Secret Service checkpoint. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivered remarks during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC (Eric Lee/Getty Images)

He added, "I thought that was actually pretty good. That was actually the only thing I thought was good in this whole freaking stupid speech that they wrote. That was the only good one, and that went down with not exactly great laughter."

Trump's remarks lasted more than an hour and touched on topics including the media, political opponents and the ongoing war with Iran before he ended his speech.

"In fact, when I'm finished, I'm going right back to the Oval Office, so I have to be doing okay," Trump said. "But we are all doing good together."

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