US president Donald Trump on Friday (local time) joked about seeking a third term while addressing the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) Dinner, before quickly clarifying that he was "only kidding."
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During his remarks, Trump likened the delayed event to his second term, saying both were better the second time around.
"I am delighted to be here at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. It's always better. And the third time will be better yet," the US president said.
Trump later added that he was "only kidding" about the idea.
Toward the end of his speech, Trump put on a red cap reading "Trump 2028" and jokingly announced the "scoop" that he was running for president again.
Later in his remarks, Trump quipped that next year's White House Correspondents' Dinner could be named after him, claiming that Paramount Skydance chief executive David Ellison had floated the idea.
"Next year, they're going to call it the Trump White House Correspondents' Dinner," Trump said. "(Ellison) told me that, and I like that very much. We're going to change the name of it, okay?"
The US Constitution's 22nd Amendment bars any individual from being elected president more than twice. Trump is currently serving his second term in the White House.
Despite the constitutional limit on presidential terms, Trump has repeatedly hinted in recent months at the possibility of remaining in office beyond his second term.
Ratified in 1951, the 22nd Amendment explicitly states that "no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner was rescheduled after its original April date was cancelled following a major security breach at the Washington Hilton.
According to authorities, a man identified as Cole Allen allegedly ran through a security checkpoint carrying loaded firearms and knives before being confronted by US Secret Service agents outside the ballroom. Officials said Allen allegedly assaulted an officer before being restrained, while Trump and senior administration officials were rushed to safety after gunfire was reported outside the venue.
Allen has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges, including attempting to assassinate a president and assaulting a law enforcement officer.
