Trump jokes about running for 4th term

US president Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump mixed humor with criticism of the news media during an appearance at the Waldorf Astoria, where he jokingly floated the idea of seeking a fourth presidential term despite constitutional term limits.

Opening his remarks, Trump greeted the audience with a swipe at his critics, describing those gathered as "the largest group of Trump derangement syndrome people ever put together at one time."

He also reflected on the assassination attempt that led to the postponement of the event, originally scheduled for April, telling attendees that "the show must go on."

Over the course of his hour-long address, Trump criticized major news organizations, mocked Democratic rivals and injected self-deprecating humor when one of his jokes failed to resonate with the audience.

"That was actually the only thing I thought was good in this whole freaking stupid speech," he joked after the remark drew little response.

Although he repeatedly accused sections of the media of unfair coverage, Trump acknowledged that speaking directly with journalists can sometimes work to his advantage.

"I always find that when you don't speak to the press, you always get a bad story. When you do speak to the press, you have a shot at getting a good story," he said.

Closing the event, Trump expressed what he called "tremendous respect" for journalists before joking that media organizations rely heavily on him for audience interest.

"When I'm gone you're all going to be broke. Your business model is gonna be finished. When I'm not around, you're gonna be broke. There's not gonna be anybody to report on. Nobody gives a damn about anybody else," he said.

Trump jokes about running for 4th term

Trump also revisited speculation about another White House campaign, first joking, "Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. And the third time is better yet. I'm only kidding."

He later held up a red "Trump 2028" cap and continued the gag by saying, "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."

The president further joked that he had "won three times" and remarked that he was "getting very good at running for president."

Trump ended his speech by renewing his criticism of media coverage, alleging that roughly 93 percent of reporting about him is negative.