In his remarks, Trump was kind and conciliatory, saying “the second time is always better,” joking and praising the media and saying he respects “most of them.”
“As I said three months ago, the show must go on,” Trump said.
The US president also urged Americans to respect freedom of speech.
“We resolve our differences through open and vigorous debate, not bullets,” Trump said. “And no crazy loser with a gun will ever change that. We can’t let that happen.”
President Trump appeared to be in good spirits throughout the event, jokingly telling the media, “Sometimes I think some of you don’t like me.”
“This (dinner) is truly the largest group of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ people gathered at one time,” he said. “Some of you feel lucky that our last dinner was cut short. I was going to chase you.”
This event was significantly reduced in size compared to the first reporters’ dinner, with about 700 attendees compared to about 2,000 in April.
Security has also become more stringent. Several blocks around the hotel were blocked off with a heavy police and National Guard presence. Visitors were screened twice with a QR code and ID and given a wristband.
At one point, visitors were prompted to walk single file past two Secret Service officers holding rifles.
Cole Thomas Allen, 31, the suspect in the April shooting, was indicted on charges of attempting to assassinate the U.S. president.
He was tackled by agents just before the stairs leading to the banquet hall where dinner was taking place.
In attendance Saturday night were Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
