Trump joked during a press conference at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Trump was friendly and conciliatory, joking that “the second time is always better” in his speech, and he praised the media – he said he respected “most of them”.

“As I said three months ago, the show must go on,” Trump said.

The US president also asked Americans to respect freedom of speech.

“We will resolve our differences not by shooting, but by open and vigorous debate,” Trump said. “And a loser with a gun will never change it. We can’t let that happen.”

Trump seemed to be in good spirits during the event, joking that “sometimes I really think some of you don’t like me.”

“This place[dinner]is actually the largest group of ‘Trump derangement syndrome’ people ever gathered at one time,” he said. “I guess some of you were lucky the last supper was cut off… I was going to follow you.”

The event is greatly reduced The first correspondents’ dinnerAbout 700 people attended, compared to more than 2,000 in April.

Security was also tighter. Several blocks around the hotel were cordoned off and there was a heavy police and National Guard presence. Guests are double screened with QR codes and IDs and given a wristband.

At one point, visitors were forced to walk in single file, past two Secret Service officers with rifles.

The suspect who was shot in April has been identified 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allenaccused of attempting to assassinate the President of the United States.

Shortly before the stairs leading to the ballroom where the dinner was being held, he was confronted by deputies.

Others in attendance Saturday night included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch, FBI Director Kash Patel, Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.