Trump ribs staff, press and family at Gridiron Dinner
President Trump played the role of comedian-in-chief at the annual Gridiron Dinner Saturday night, serving up jokes about his attorney general, his son-in-law and even his wife.
“So many people have been leaving the White House. It’s invigorating since you want turnover,” Trump quipped.
“I like chaos. It really is good. Who’s going to be the next to leave? (Aide) Steve Miller or Melania?”
Trump took several digs at himself and the press in his first appearance at the white-tie Washington dinner where reporters don wigs and costumes to poke fun at the politicians they cover.
The President relishes attacking the press but his most searing quips targeted his administration and his family.
Trump needled his embattled son-in-law Jared Kushner who was stripped of his top secret security clearance last week.
“We were late tonight because Jared could not get through security,” Trump said.
Trump pointed out Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the audience — a man the President has criticized relentlessly for removing himself from the investigation into Russian election meddling.
“I offered him a ride over and he recused himself,” Trump said.
Trump declined an invitation to the 133-year-old event last year, opting to stay away from a press corps that he loves to attack.
The President arrived with the First Lady, a rare public outing for the couple since news broke of his reported affair with porn star Stormy Daniels.
Trump opened his monologue with some good-natured jabs at reporters.
“I was very excited to receive this invitation and ruin your evening in person,” Trump said. “That’s why I accepted.”
He hit The New York Times.
“I’m a New York icon. You’re a New York icon. And the only difference is I still own my buildings,” Trump said.
He tweaked his former chief strategist Steve Bannon.
“It’s been a very tough year for CNN,” the President said.
“They’ve lost a tremendous amount of credibility this year. And your best reporter, Steve Bannon. That guy leaked more than the Titanic.”
And he made fun of himself.
Trump said he wouldn’t rule out direct talks with North Korea but Kim Jong Un faced “the risk of dealing with a madman.”
With NICOLE HENSLEY
