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Donald Trump joked that he'll run for president again as he unveils a "Trump 2028" hat at White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The annual dinner finally took place on Friday (July 24), three months after it was suspended following an alleged attempted assassination on the president.
The 80-year-old delivered an hour-long speech at the event, which was held under tight security at Washington's Waldorf Astoria hotel, that mixed calls for unity with jokes.
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Towards the end of his speech, Trump teased the audience with what he called a big announcement.
"That's why tonight, to show just how much I care about the press and, I want to save your ratings," he said.
"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."
Trump has joked several times about serving another term, but the US Constitution does not allow a president to serve more than two elected terms.
Not every joke landed with the audience.
While talking about term limits for members of Congress, Trump shared a story about an elderly senator who received a text from his wife saying: "When you get home, I want you to immediately come up the stairs and make love to me."
The senator's reply was: "I can't do both." The room stayed silent.
Trump then explained the joke himself: "Can't get up on the stairs and make love," he said while pulling a face. "Does anybody get that?"
Laughing at the awkward moment, he added: "That was the only thing I thought was good in this whole frickin' stupid speech they wrote. That was the only good one and that went down with not exactly great laughter."
The president also reflected on the shooting that forced organizers to postpone the original dinner in April.
"As I said three months ago, the show must go on," he said. "Tonight we come back together to answer that heinous attack with unwavering resolve," adding that "in America we do not yield to political violence."
Later in the speech, he reiterated that message. "We do not yield to political violence... No deranged loser with a gun will ever change that," per Sky News.
Trump also admitted that his original speech had been much harsher.
"I was so psyched. I was going to rip people, and I don't know. Just something changed," he said. "It's really for the better, but I just wouldn't want to do that. But we'll do a little ripping if you don't mind."
Although he slammed what he often calls the "fake news media," he also commended the journalists in the room.
"I have tremendous respect for the people in this room," he said, before adding: "Sometimes I don't feel you treat me fair.
"Maybe you do. I don't know. I don't feel that, but sometimes you treat me very fairly, and I have a lot of respect for your profession."
He also thanked guests for returning after the events of April: "Most of us went through a period of trauma from just a short while ago, and you know, some people said they wanted to come, but they were afraid to come, and you people weren't afraid to come."
After the April attack, the dinner was moved from the Washington Hilton to the Waldorf Astoria and held under increased security.
Outgoing White House Correspondents' Association president Weijia Jiang of CBS News opened the event by saying: "Tonight, our message is this: We are back. We will not be intimidated...We refuse to let an act of violence have the final word."
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President Donald Trump was met with complete silence after telling a sex joke during his speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The annual event finally took place on Friday (July 24), three months after the original dinner was cut short by a shooting at the Washington Hilton.
The 80-year-old president's hour-long speech mixed calls for unity with attacks on political rivals and members of the media, but one moment in particular left the room noticeably quiet.
Trump shared a joke about an ageing senator while discussing term limits for members of Congress.
He told the audience that a senator received a text from his wife saying: "When you get home, I want you to immediately come up the stairs and make love to me."
The president then delivered the punchline, saying the senator replied: "I can't do both."
The room remained silent.
Trump then explained the joke himself.
"Can't get up on the stairs and make love," he said while pulling a face. "Does anybody get that?"
After realizing the joke had failed to land, the president laughed it off.
"That was the only thing I thought was good in this whole frickin' stupid speech they wrote," he said. "That was the only good one and that went down with not exactly great laughter."
Trump opened his speech by reflecting on the April dinner, which was interrupted after suspected gunman Cole Allen allegedly opened fire before the evening's programme began.
"As I said three months ago, the show must go on," he said. "Tonight we come back together to answer that heinous attack with unwavering resolve," he added, saying the event showed that "in America we do not yield to political violence."
He also revealed that his original speech had been much more aggressive.
"I was so psyched. I was going to rip people, and I don't know. Just something changed," he said. "It's really for the better, but I just wouldn't want to do that. But we'll do a little ripping if you don't mind."
Although Trump applauded members of the press, telling attendees: "I have tremendous respect for the people in this room," he also added: "Sometimes I don't feel you treat me fair."
"Maybe you do. I don't know. I don't feel that, but sometimes you treat me very fairly, and I have a lot of respect for your profession," he said.
He also took aim at several political opponents and journalists by name before closing the event by pulling out a red "Trump 2028" hat and joking that he would run for another presidential term, despite the Constitution barring a third term.
The president also thanked guests for attending despite the events of April.
"Most of us went through a period of trauma from just a short while ago, and you know, some people said they wanted to come, but they were afraid to come, and you people weren't afraid to come," he said.
The rescheduled dinner was held at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., rather than the Washington Hilton, where the April event descended into chaos.
Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales was shot during the attack but was protected by his ballistic vest and continued responding to the threat.
Gonzales and the Washington Hilton staff received the White House Correspondents' Association's President's Award for Exceptional Service during Friday's ceremony.
Donald Trump has sparked backlash after sharing an AI-generated video that features “Trump 2028” hats.
On Monday (September 29), the 79-year-old shared an image from a meeting with Democratic leaders in the Oval Office aimed at negotiating a resolution to prevent a government shutdown.
The photo featured “Trump 2028” hats prominently displayed on the Resolute Desk. This image quickly drew attention due to the suggestion that the two-time leader may be signaling an intention to run for president again in 2028.
Trump has already served two terms in office (2016 and 2020), and is constitutionally barred from seeking a third, per the 22nd Amendment.
Despite this, the visual of “Trump 2028” gear raised questions about his commitment to respecting the limits of the presidency.
Rather than clarifying whether his display of the hats was a joke or a serious campaign hint, the president doubled down by sharing an AI-generated video on October 3.
In the clip, an animated version of Trump is seen throwing a “Trump 2028” hat at Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Trump’s latest social media antics did not go unnoticed by his critics. Many voiced their concerns about the hats, calling out what they saw as a blatant disregard for the Constitution.
One user on X wrote: “Trump spent yesterday’s meeting with Democratic leadership taunting them with 'Trump 2028' hats. He’s not serious about keeping the government open. He’s openly mocking America’s Constitution."
A second comment read: "Are we acknowledging that the hat says Trump 2028??? Excuse me?? This should be bigger news!!? The actual f**k??
“If Trump can flaunt his Trump 2028 hats on the Resolute desk, trample the Constitution & run for a 3rd term - Barack Obama can run for a 3rd term," a third said, pointing to the perceived hypocrisy of the president's actions.
A fourth user said the hat "serves as the warning for what’s to come," adding: "Some folk keep ignoring that warning."
This isn’t the first time Trump has caused a stir with an AI-generated video.
Just days earlier, the president shared another controversial AI video promoting the outlandish “Medbed” conspiracy theory, which claims the US government has developed advanced healing technology that can heal wounds, regrow limbs, cure diseases, and even keep people alive long after death.
The video, shared on his Truth Social account, featured his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, anchoring a faux Fox News segment.
In the clip, an AI-generated version of Trump announced a nationwide healthcare plan, stating: "Every American will soon receive their own MedBed card. With it, you’ll have guaranteed access to our new hospitals led by the top doctors in the nation, equipped with the most advanced technology in the world."
This video was deleted within hours. However, the damage had already been done, as many questioned whether the president thought it was authentic or if it was simply a case of misinformation.
Donald Trump has addressed the speculation that he might be planning to run for a third term as president.
Trump, 78, has sparked headlines after dropping hints about continuing his presidency beyond the legal limit.
And if the merchandise on sale at his official online store is anything to go by, Trump 2028 might be more than just a marketing gimmick.
Yes, the Trump campaign is now officially selling “Trump 2028” hats.
For $50, fans can snag a red cap that proudly declares the future—or at least a hypothetical one.
“The future looks bright! Rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat,” reads the product description. “Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat.”
Naturally, this has raised a few eyebrows.
Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press, he claimed: “So many people want me to do it. It's something that, to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do. I don't know if that's constitutional that they're not allowing you to do it or anything else.”
In a separate interview with TIME Magazine, Trump addressed questions about the possibility of exploiting legal “loopholes” to serve a third term.
“You recently said you were ‘not joking’ about seeking a third term and that there were methods to do it. What methods?” TIME asked.
Trump replied: “I'd rather not discuss that now, but as you know, there are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known.”
“But I don't believe in loopholes. I don't believe in using loopholes,” he added.
Instead, Trump leaned on his popularity and performance as justification for the chatter. “I'm doing a good job,” he said. “Great physical exam, and unlike every other president, I took the cognitive test and I aced it 100%, and I bet you guys couldn't get 100% on that exam.”
He continued: “It's a tough exam. You know, when you get into the mid questions, it gets to be pretty tricky and pretty tough, and the last questions are very tough, and I aced it. And I guarantee, I'd give you, I'd make a big, beautiful bet that you guys couldn't ace it.”
While Trump keeps the speculation alive, he has now publicly claimed he’s not actively pursuing a third term.
“But this is not something I’m looking to do,” he told NBC's Meet the Press. “I’m looking to have four great years and turn it over to somebody, ideally a great Republican, a great Republican to carry it forward.”
Pressed on whether that “great Republican” might be Vice President J.D. Vance, Trump said he “could very well be,” adding: “I don’t want to get involved in that. I think he’s a fantastic, brilliant guy. Marco [Rubio] is great. There’s a lot of them that are great.”
The 22nd Amendment is crystal clear: “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Ratified in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s unprecedented four terms, the amendment leaves little room for ambiguity.
Trump has not denied this outright. “It's something that, to the best of my knowledge, you're not allowed to do,” he said.
Still, he noted: “There are many people selling the 2028 hat.”
He also told TIME: “I have more people begging me to run again, but I haven't looked at even the possibility. But the only thing that's changed is they think I'm doing a great job, and they like the way I'm running the country.”
In a prior quote recalled by TIME, Trump had previously promised: “I'm going to serve one term. I'm going to do a great job, and I'm going to leave.”
When asked what changed, he clarified: “Well, I’m serving two terms now.” After some back-and-forth, he amended: “You mean one more.”
Donald Trump has revealed that "loopholes have been discussed" regarding a potential third term as his online store has started selling 'Trump 2028' hats.
The 78-year-old president stirred controversy again this week after his store launched a new “Trump 2028” campaign-style hat.
Despite the Constitution explicitly forbidding a third presidential term, Trump has continued to tease the media and the public about the idea.
“The future looks bright! Rewrite the rules with the Trump 2028 high crown hat. Fully embroidered with a snap closure in the back, this will become your new go-to hat,” the description for the $50 hat reads.
President Trump’s move to market 2028 merchandise comes as he doubles down on recent comments suggesting he might pursue a third term.
Speaking to TIME Magazine, he addressed previous remarks he made during an NBC News interview, where he hinted there were “methods” to bypass the Constitution’s two-term limit.
When asked by TIME: “You recently said you were ‘not joking’ about seeking a third term and that there were methods to do it. What methods?” Trump responded: "I'd rather not discuss that now, but as you know, there are some loopholes that have been discussed that are well known."
The POTUS did add, however: “But I don't believe in loopholes. I don't believe in using loopholes.”
He also sidestepped a follow-up question about one of the most widely speculated "loopholes," involving Vice President J.D. Vance winning the 2028 election on a Vance-Trump ticket and then resigning. Instead, he shifted the conversation to boast about his cognitive abilities.
“I don’t know anything about, what, look, all I can say is this, I am being inundated with requests," Trump said.
“I'm doing a good job,” he continued. “Great physical exam, and unlike every other president, I took the cognitive test and I aced it 100%, and I bet you guys couldn't get 100% on that exam."
"It's a tough exam. You know, when you get into the mid questions, it gets to be pretty tricky and pretty tough, and the last questions are very tough, and I aced it. And I guarantee, I'd give you, I'd make a big, beautiful bet that you guys couldn't ace it," he added.
Pressed further about his previous stance, the two-time president was reminded by the publication of a quote he gave a year ago, saying: “I'm going to serve one term. I'm going to do a great job, and I'm going to leave.”
Asked what had changed, Trump replied: “Well, I’m serving two terms now.” When TIME attempted to clarify, he responded, “You mean one more,” and added: “I have more people begging me to run again, but I haven't looked at even the possibility. But the only thing that's changed is they think I'm doing a great job, and they like the way I'm running the country.”
Trump’s comments about a third term immediately drew reactions from political leaders.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson assured the public there was no serious move to amend the Constitution, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that Trump was likely “messing with” the media and opponents by floating the idea.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise echoed that view, saying Trump’s comments were meant to “get people talking," per The Independent.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also addressed the speculation, saying: “I wish we could have him for 20 years as our president, but I think he's gonna be finished probably after this term.”
According to constitutional law, Trump’s hints run directly against the 22nd Amendment, which was ratified in 1951 after Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s four-term presidency.
The amendment limits any individual from being elected president more than twice. Though Trump spoke of "methods" and "loopholes," any attempt to change the rule would require either a two-thirds vote in Congress or two-thirds of U.S. states agreeing to call a constitutional convention - both seen as highly unlikely.
Donald Trump has told guests at a White House Christmas party that he will run for president again in 2024.
This comes after Democrat Joe Biden was announced as the winner of the 2020 presidential election and the new president-elect back on November 7.
Per The Independent, the incumbent president made the announcement during a White House Christmas party on Tuesday evening (December 1), which was comprised mainly of Republican National Committee members.
Watch Trump make his announcement in the video below:
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"It’s been an amazing four years," the president told his guests.
Referring to his administration attempting to overturn the election result Trump then said: "We are trying to do another four years. Otherwise, I'll see you in four years."
The video shows guests cheering at the announcement - with the camera showing how several attendees opted not to wear face coverings, despite coughs being audible in the video.
The footage was recorded by national committeewoman for the Oklahoma GOP, Pam Pollard, who live-streamed the event on Facebook.
During the event, Trump also told attendees: "It’s certainly an unusual year. We won an election. But they don’t like that.
"I call it a rigged election, and I always will."
Trump made the baseless claims despite Attorney General William Barr telling the Associated Press earlier on Tuesday that the US Justice Department has uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that would alter the projected outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
In addition, following news that dozens of the president's aides, staffers, and allies - as well as the President and First Lady themselves - all contracted Covid-19 over the last few months, Stephanie Grisham did say last month that the White House would continue to host events "while providing the safest environment possible."
Per The Independent, the first lady’s spokeswoman and chief of staff said that events would include smaller guest lists, and that "masks will be required and available, social distancing encouraged while on the White House grounds, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the State Floor."
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Despite this, footage from last night's event shows people not wearing face masks and gathered closely together.
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