- Trump produced a 'Trump 2028' hat and joked about running for a fourth term, though he insisted the idea was just a ruse.
- Trump awkwardly reacted when the Wall Street Journal was honored for its Epstein reporting, then applauded and offered a brief 'congratulations'.
- Trump's jokes often fell flat: a joke about Chris Christie's weight prompted Trump to ask 'Who the hell wrote that line?' and a jab at Kaitlan Collins drew silence.
- Mentalist Oz Pearlman captivated the audience, correctly guessing Acting Attorney General Blanche had $85 and identifying a bill's serial number.
Trump's hourlong speech at the correspondents' dinner was a blend of humor and tension, as he announced his intention to run for a fourth presidential term.
"I am 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," he declared, although he later insisted it was just a ruse.123
The event highlighted Trump's complicated relationship with the media, particularly when the Wall Street Journal was honored for its reporting on Jeffrey Epstein. Trump awkwardly applauded the reporters, offering a brief, "congratulations," which contrasted sharply with the tension in the room.45
His humor was not always well-received; after a joke about Chris Christie's weight fell flat, he quipped, "Who the hell wrote that line?" Additionally, he made a remark about journalist Collins that left much of the audience silent, comparing her to Dylan Mulvaney.67
Despite the mixed reactions, the evening featured lighter moments, such as Emmy-winning mentalist Oz Pearlman captivating the audience with his tricks, showcasing the event's dual nature of celebration and critique.8910
“After a joke about Chris Christie's weight fell flat, Trump asked 'Who the hell wrote that line?' and a jab at Kaitlan Collins drew silence. Mentalist Oz Pearlman later stunned the audience by guessing Acting Attorney General Blanche had $85 and identifying a bill's serial number.”
