Biden roasts Trump, calls for release of detained journalists: 3 takeaways from the correspondents' dinner

WASHINGTON − President Joe Biden asked journalists to consider their role in safeguarding democracy and called for the release of reporters held abroad during his speech at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner − known for its light-hearted, yet cutting, humor targeting Washington.

But the president didn't miss out on an opportunity to knock his 2024 rival, former President Donald Trump.

"There are some who call you the enemy of the people. That's wrong and that's dangerous," Biden said to a crowd of more than 2,000 members of the press. "Reporters have lost their freedom. Journalism is clearly not a crime. Not here, not there, not anywhere in the world."

The U.S. president and first lady traditionally attend the annual event, and it was far from Biden’s first. His attendance last year marked the first presidential appearance at the dinner in six years after the event’s two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Trump’s refusal to attend while he was in office.

Here are some top takeaways from Biden's 2024 remarks.

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'He promised a bloodbath'

Biden on Saturday targeted a slate of comments Trump has made on the campaign trail in recent months, accusing him of making "no secret of his attack on our democracy."

"He said he wants to be a dictator on day one," Biden told the crowd of journalists, lawmakers, celebrities and others, characterizing remarks Trump repeatedly made about the southern border and drilling efforts. "He promised a bloodbath when he loses again. We have to take this seriously. Eight years ago we could've written it off as just Trump talk but no longer."

Biden thanked the journalists in the room, who he said were "more important than ever." The president told them that, like him, they have a role in ensuring democracy endures. He said although he understands they will not take sides, he asked them to live up to the seriousness of the current political moment, making specific reference to Jan. 6, 2021.

Biden jokes about his age, Donald Trump's hush money trial

The president also made a wide range of jokes hitting his political rival. At one point in his speech, Biden, 81, appeared to take up the concerns Americans have about his age.

“Of course, the 2024 election’s in full swing and, yes, age is an issue: I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old,” Biden said, referring to former President Donald Trump, whom he called “Sleepy Don.”

Biden also joked about Trump's ongoing hush money trial in New York and his recent Bible sales pitch.

"Donald has had a few tough days lately. You might call it stormy weather," he quipped, adding. "Trump is so desperate he started reading those Bibles he is selling. Then he got to the first commandment: 'you shall have no other Gods before me.' That's when he put it down and said this book is not for me."

"Saturday Night Live" star Colin Jost also poked fun at the Democratic and Republican presumptive nominees' ages.

"I would like to point out, it's after 10 p.m. and sleepy Joe is still awake while Trump has spent the past week falling asleep in court every morning," Jost said.

During his monologue, Jost poked fun at Biden's age, his dwindling support from Black voters, and also took shots at Trump's ongoing court cases.

More:Donald Trump repeats 'bloodbath' comment as he criticizes Joe Biden border policy

Biden calls for the safe return of journalists

Ending his remarks on a somber note, Biden raised his glass toasting to a free press, an informed citizenry and an America where freedom and democracy endure.

He specifically called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested on wrongful espionage charges and is serving time behind bars in Moscow. He also called for the safe return of freelance reporter Austin Tice who was kidnapped in Syria more than 10 years ago. Both journalists had parents in the crowd.

The event attracted celebrities, government officials, and members of the media. Proceeds from Saturday’s dinner will help fund student journalism scholarships.

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During the event, the White House Correspondence Association also presented several journalists awards for excellence in White House coverage, presidential news coverage, and courage and accountability.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_