Extended interview: President Trump on White House Correspondents' Dinner
In a Nutshell
President Trump recounts surviving a third assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner by gunman Cole Thomas Allen—a radicalized, anti-Christian ex-believer who emailed a manifesto targeting the administration—praising Secret Service's rapid 20-second extraction and post-incident unity across parties. He attributes the attacks to his consequential achievements, including border security (zero illegal entries for 9 months vs. prior 25 million), economic revival ($18T investments in 11 months), Iran policy, and Soleimani's killing, which restored global respect. Trump dismisses conspiracy theories, condemns left-wing violence encouragement like "No Kings" rallies, commits to future events without yielding to "nutjobs," and highlights bipartisan camaraderie and Melania's birthday amid heightened cabinet security.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
President Trump expresses relief at being safe after the incident. Describes it as a difficult evening but states he is doing very well. Unsure if he was the gunman's target. References reading a manifesto: gunman was radicalized, formerly a Christian believer who became anti-Christian, underwent significant changes. Brother and sister complained about him and reported him to police; family was concerned. Describes gunman as probably a pretty sick guy.
This is the third attempted assassination: first in Butler, second on golf course in Florida. Trump attributes attempts to targeting consequential presidents who achieve results. Researched term "assassination"; targets presidents who do things. Highlights accomplishments: turned around a dying country into the hottest globally; won skirmish/war with Venezuela decisively, now profitable relationship; in Iran now—other presidents should have acted but didn't; tougher now due to thousands of missiles. B-2 bomber attack significant; killing of Soleimani in first term a big deal. Assassinated presidents: Abraham Lincoln, McKinley (made country rich; Teddy Roosevelt spent the money but was consequential, attempted assassination). Policies controversial but beneficial: inherited worst border ever with 25 million people entering, including hardcore criminals, drug dealers from prisons and mental institutions emptied into U.S.; against men in women's sports, transgender policies. U.S. now respected worldwide; some love it, some don't.
Around 8:30 p.m., sitting next to First Lady; entertainer Oz Perlman (The Mentalist) talking, guessing press secretary's baby's name (Caroline's child)—got it right, amazing First Lady and associate (Weijia Jiang of CBS News, terrific, big smile). Heard big bang right after—hoped tray of dishes but was gunshot. First Lady looked alarmed, realized bullet not tray; upset per close-up video. Security moved quickly: grabbed vice president by coat, lifted him out; counter-assault flanked in 10 seconds, extracted in 20 seconds. Trump down at one point because wanted to see what was happening, made it harder for agents; said "wait a minute, let me see." Started walking tall/bent over halfway out, then dropped to floor on agents' orders ("please go down to the floor") along with First Lady. Thought: been through this before (she hadn't to this extent); she handled great, strong, smart, listened. Wanted to continue event, return to ballroom celebrating First Amendment and freedom of press—record-setter dinner with great camaraderie despite past problems. Walked in to nice applause, unexpectedly positive. Post-incident: tremendous camaraderie across parties (Democrats, senators, congressmen/women not on his side); "way to go" spirit, whole country together.
Disagreements on crime (Trump strong on it), border (zero illegal entries southern border for 9 months vs. prior 25 million), men in women's sports, open borders. Post-event camaraderie with President, Vice President, Speaker of House, Secretary Hegseth, Secretary of State—entire presidential succession line in ballroom. No safe ballroom currently; building new one 20 yards left of current, on safest White House property with bulletproof glass, highest security, one strong entrance, no suites on top, ahead of schedule/on budget (opens 2028). Military, Secret Service, law enforcement want it due to 1,000 hotel rooms above current ballroom, elevator access. Gunman ran through metal detectors (45-50 yards), fired 1-2 rounds, incredible speed like blur; subdued immediately, professional response. Suggests moving security equipment outside building despite weather issues.
Not worried about injuries, understands crazy world; wanted to see/help as president. Saw strong counter-assault team at back—felt very safe. Impressed by operation; adjustment: move counterpoint deeper/outside.
Secret Service/FBI briefed; read manifesto emailed to family right before attack (found out morning after). Family concerned: brother/sister/parents called police; lived with parents (saw them on TV). Sick but smart (went to great school; Butler shooter had 1,600 college boards, upper 99.9 percentile). Law enforcement did great job; adjustments possible like moving security further. Manifesto quotes: "Administration officials, they are targets." "I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes." Trump rejects labels (not rapist/pedophile, exonerated; associates others like Epstein); calls interviewer disgraceful for reading. Gunman checked into hotel since Friday, cased place: expected heavy security (cameras every bend, bugged rooms, armed agents every 10 feet, metal detectors)—got nothing, calls incompetence insane. Trump: gunman incompetent (caught easily); security did good job, always find fault but learn/adjust. Internet radicalizes, makes mentally sick but phenomenal with AI leader.
Anti-Trump/anti-Christian rhetoric on social media; part of Wide Awakes group; attended No Kings protest in California. No Kings funded like Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) funds KKK/radicals then pretends to fight them (millions spent); Charlottesville SPLC-funded to make Trump look bad, total fake/rigged election part. SPLC indictment facts (checks to Blue Clock, Land, others). Trump sued fake news successfully (CBS $38 million for Kamala edit; BBC AI fake hate statement admitted wrong).
They've admitted they're wrong but don't know what to do. They had Trump making a major statement, but it was his face and lips perfectly in sync with the words. > I can't believe it. I can't believe it. < Trump can get along with anybody, but not if people cheat or are fake.
Trump says those encouraging or cheering political violence are much more far left than far right. References 'Southern law' and statements like 'no kings' as encouraging violence. The manifesto mentioned attending a 'no kings' rally with not too many people, which probably had an impact. > I'm against that. I think it's terrible. <
At the dinner: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Secretary), his sister Kerry Kennedy (witnessed father and uncle assassinated); Erica Kirk; House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. Political violence has touched many in the room. Trump notes violence has always existed—20, 40, 100, 200, 500 years ago—people assassinated, injured, hurt. Not sure there's more now. Democrat hate speech is much more dangerous than Republican hate speech for the country.
Trump accomplished much, made country great again. Country was dead 1.5 years ago under Sleepy Joe Biden, who had no idea what he was doing—surrounded by people at the Resolute desk. Biden didn't sign anything; used auto pen for 90%. They created tremendous anger and hate. Now, hottest country in the world. Investments: under Biden, less than $1 trillion in 4 years; under Trump, $18 trillion in 11 months. Most people happy, but some angry because it means Trump will be around for a long time.
Last night had a tone of unity in the White House press briefing room. Trump felt very calm, thought it was important to do well—not easy after the scene. Needed to let country and world know it's going to be okay.
Many cabinet secretaries live on military bases due to potential threats, though they choose to—nice housing, Democrats did the same. This is a consequential presidency with a great cabinet doing good things. If good for US, not good for others like Iran—they won't have nuclear weapon, won't blow up the world. Unhappy people do violent things. Consequential administration attracts things that wouldn't happen under Biden, when world was happy taking advantage of US.
First attendance as president, looking forward to a rip-roaring speech hitting people hard with humor. Wanted it to go forward despite incident—didn't want cancellation by a crazy person. Country too good, important, powerful. Expected to go up until last moment when military, Secret Service, law enforcement entered the sealed, airtight room—doors opened, breached. Couldn't go back if someone slipped in. Speech would have been > I love you all. < There was love in the room.
People came together. Democrats who can't stand Trump said > Sir, could I just shake your hand? Sir, great job. Could I hug you? < High-level people on the other side. Love came together in a non-beautiful moment—it was beautiful.
Conspiracy theories that event was staged, didn't happen (like Butler, October 7th, WWII, Holocaust). > They're more sick than con people, but there's a lot of con in it too. < Haven't heard last night didn't happen—usually takes 2-3 months. Tough sell.
Secret Service meeting on security footprint. King of England coming—great, very safe. White House grounds safe. Events going forward, no concerns. King spoke this morning, looking forward. No additional threat indication—this was a lone wolf, sicko, very disturbed. Attended Christian club at Caltech (good college, hard to get into—smart guy but sick). Easier if they weren't smart; some are very smart but want to kill people—must be put away.
Today is Melania's birthday. Got back around 12 o'clock, said happy birthday. Security moves fast. Perfect high-security facility on grounds.
Hope they do the event again soon—about freedom of the press. Don't want crazy person to cancel. Refused first 4 years because press treated unfairly, event died. Even though liberal/progressive press, happy to see relationship/friendship/spirit after bad event (nobody killed/hurt). Secret Service agent wore bulletproof vest, 100% okay, didn't want hospital but went. WHCA appreciates attendance; committed to doing again within 30 days with more/bigger security. Can't let nutjobs win by canceling.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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