Trump, journalists at light-hearted gala
News & Trends •
trump brought up his recent calls for tariffs on steel and aluminium which have been criticized by us trading partners. he suggested they were good for dying industries whose executives have asked the white house for protection1 us president donald trump was warmly received by members of what he calls the fake news media on saturday night at a light-hearted gala that is one of washingtons longest-running traditions1 the event featured journalists in costumes satirizing us politics and the white house culture in raucous skits songs and speeches1 about 600 people attended including members of congress trumps cabinet and several ambassadors and prominent politicians1 trump said he had looked forward to attending the event and appeared to enjoy the show clapping and laughing at the skits1 in his response trump made fun of the leaders of the opposition democratic party but didnt spare members of his own party even vice president mike pence who also attended the dinner1 he called him one of the best straight men youll ever meet -a veiled reference to his anti-gay policies1 trump largely stayed on script as he read from notes in a joking tone. he touched on international politics with regard to tensions on the korean peninsula saying that he would not rule out direct talks with north korean leader kim jong un. but he quipped that it was kim who faced the risk of dealing with a madman1 he also said north korea had called and asked to begin talks but he said he responded that they would have to denuke first before talks could go forward1 trump was the guest of honour at the 133rd gridiron dinner where prominent washington-based journalists traditionally make fun of the president and take jabs at the us political scene1 the president also referred to the numerous staff departures from the white house during his first year in office. he said he liked turnover and chaos because it was exciting and invigorating and brought in new thought1 in an awkward moment that invoked his marriage trump joked about who would be next to leave the white house first lady melania trump or political adviser steve miller1 he then attempted to repair any inference that the first lady might leave him by praising her for the job shes done and by saying shes actually having a great time1 but of course trump couldnt resist taking a swipe at washingtons left-leaning press corps. he said spending the evening with them was the best time hed had since watching their faces on election night1 the famously thin-skinned trump refused to attend last years show opting to send pence in his place1 that show poked fun at trump and many people in his inner circle including steve bannon the presidents chief strategist at the time by portraying him in a devils costume1 the show is produced by the gridiron club and foundation founded in 1885 by journalists from major us newspapers1 with the exception of president grover cleveland every president since the club was founded has attended the gridiron dinner at least once.dpanan1