US President Donald Trump spoke at the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington. During his speech, he pulled out a red cap with "TRUMP 2028" written on it and put it on, signaling his intention to run for president for a fourth time. "I'm going to take an official step. Actually, I think I already did; I won three times, now I'm going to do it again," he said.
Trump began his speech by emphasizing the importance he places on the press. He put on the cap as he told journalists in the room that he would make an announcement to "save your ratings." The gesture prompted a brief silence in the room full of reporters.
Constitutional obstacle raised
Trump's remark directly conflicts with the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, which states that "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice." Thus, Trump's words are not seen as realistic. Trump, who had said on May 5, 2025 that he would hand over the presidency after eight years, stated on April 1 that if a third term run were allowed, he would like to face Barack Obama as a rival.
On the other hand, there is a possibility of changing this rule with a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the US Congress or in state legislatures.
Claims about Iran
Trump also made striking remarks about Iran at the dinner. Claiming that they had "taken over" Iran, he said the strikes were going extremely well. "250 jets and 159 boats are now gone. They have no radars, very few drones left," Trump asserted, claiming that Iran's navy and air force had been largely destroyed.
Addressing negotiations with Iran, Trump said, "They are talking to us right now, they want to make a deal. I don't think they are ready yet, it's not the time yet, but I'm ready to listen." He added, "We will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. We don't want Washington D.C., our cities, Israel, or frankly the Middle East to be wiped out by a nuclear weapon."
Past attack and award
At the event, US Secret Service agent Victor Gonzales received the WHCA President's Award for Extraordinary Service for his efforts to stop the armed attacker at the security checkpoint during the dinner on April 25.
On April 25, at the dinner held at the Washington Hilton, gunshots were heard at the security checkpoint right at the start, and Trump was evacuated from the hall. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, identified as the attacker, is being tried on four federal charges, including attempted assassination of the US President. Trump's wife Melania Trump did not attend the evening's program.
