Donald Trump isn't one to own up to his many, many mistakes both in his personal life and as the president of this country. But in a surprisingly self-deprecating moment during his first Gridiron Club dinner, Trump actually poked fun at himself.
The event is a long-standing White House tradition that dates back to 1885. It is attended by hundreds of news journalists (the very people Trump constantly refers to as "fake news") and is similar to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, filled with roasts and jokes. Since Trump has made us anxiously laugh out of fear rather than joy, and the fact that he chose to skip the correspondent's dinner last year, him showing humor at the Gridiron Club dinner was entirely out of character.
Trump spent the night calling out Oprah, making references to North Korea and the ongoing investigation into Russia reportedly tampering with the 2016 presidential campaign, and making fun of yet another wild week at the White House. Former White House communications director Hope Hicks just announced her resignation on Feb. 28 following a laundry list of exits, making people wonder who was next? Well, Trump had an answer: adviser Steve Miller or his wife, Melania.
"So many people have been leaving the White House. It's actually been really exciting and invigorating 'cause you want new thought," he quipped, per CNN. "So, I like turnover. I like chaos. It really is good. Now the question everyone keeps asking is, 'Who is going to be the next to leave? Steve Miller or Melania?'
The president is also aware of everyone's wishes of impeachment and acknowledged it in his speech. "Lately, [Pence has been] showing a particularly keen interest in the news these days," Trump said. "He starts out each morning asking everyone, 'Has he been impeached yet?' Mike, you can't be impeached when there's no crime, please remember that."
Oprah, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Hillary Clinton were mentioned in the speech as well, with Trump branding her as a "Dreamer": "We’re talking about the Dreamers and, quite honestly, Democrats can fantasize all they want about winning in 2020. Those are the Dreamers. ... I’m a Dreamer also." Trump continued about Oprah potentially running for office:
"And Oprah. Oh ... here’s my next one. Oprah, I don’t think she’s ever been hit verbally yet. Right? She’s led a charmed life. She’s done a great job. ... She used to love me …. I was on one of her last shows, ‘The Trump Family.’ We’re going to have to replay that for her. We’re going to have to. ... She says she’ll run only if she gets the go ahead from the Almighty. All right Oprah, go ahead and run."
But one of the biggest surprises at the Gridiron Club dinner occurred when Trump decided to praise the media instead of his usual bashing. "I want to thank the press for all you do to support and sustain our democracy. I mean that. I mean that. Some incredible people in the press ... brilliant, powerful, smart, and fair people in the press. And I want to thank you," he said.
"My greatest wish is that we can all work together to make America safe, and just, and free for all Americans. We have a great country and we all, together, will make it even better."
