ENTERTAINMENT

Washington: Trump jokes about Minaj twerking at dinner

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump used his speech at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on Friday, July 24, at the Waldorf Astoria to deliver an extended series of jokes aimed at Hollywood figures and the news media. Speaking to an audience of journalists, political figures and celebrities, Trump blended commentary on recent events with prepared punchlines, positioning his appearance as a traditional roast-style address that has long been a hallmark of the annual dinner. The event, held in the U.S. capital, continued the dinner’s role as a forum where presidents publicly spar with the press in a largely lighthearted setting. Trump drew particular attention when he brought up rapper Nicki Minaj while recalling the association’s April gala, which had been abruptly halted after a gunman breached security and opened fire. Referring to the chaotic scene that followed the shots, Trump said that when attendees shouted “Get down!” in response to the gunfire, Minaj began twerking, a line that played on her public persona and performance style. The joke, delivered as part of his broader routine, underscored how Trump used pop culture references to frame his remarks and elicited laughter in the room while revisiting a serious security incident that had disrupted a previous association event.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

April: Gunman breaches gala security perimeter
April: Gunfire forces gala event shutdown
April: Attendees reportedly told to 'get down'
Friday, July 24: Correspondents' dinner held Washington
Friday, July 24: Trump delivers roasting-style remarks
Friday, July 24: President references Nicki Minaj incident
Friday, July 24: Twerking joke draws audience reaction

Why This Matters to You

The President's joke about Nicki Minaj at the Correspondents' Dinner shows how pop culture and politics often mix. It's a reminder that even serious events can have light-hearted moments. If you enjoy tracking the intersection of entertainment and politics, keep an eye on such events.

The Bottom Line

President Trump used humor to address a past security breach at a gala event, turning it into a punchline. His approach shows how leaders can use comedy to revisit serious incidents. Worth forwarding if you appreciate when humor lightens up political discourse.