U.S. President Donald Trump quipped about seeking a fourth term in office during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington DC on Friday, framing his teasing announcement as a “scoop”.
Donning a red “Trump 2028” cap, the president delivered his lighthearted remarks in video footage shared on Saturday on X by the RapidResponse47 account.
“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. I will be having an official… It should be easy. I’m getting very good at running for president,” Trump said.
The speech was delivered under heightened security at the Waldorf Astoria, which replaced the Washington Hilton as the venue after 58 years. The annual gathering had been postponed from its original date in April following a shooting incident that disrupted the proceedings and led to an evacuation of guests, including Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. A suspect was later taken into custody.
Friday’s event marked Trump’s first appearance at the gala whilst serving as president, following his decision to boycott it throughout his first term and during the opening stretch of his second.
During his address, Trump also referenced the 2020 election outcome, in which he was defeated by Joe Biden.
“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,” he claimed.
However, the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution strictly limits presidents to serving two terms, rendering any further election run legally impossible.