President Donald Trump attended the annual Alfalfa Club dinner wearing a black tie. He made a series of very awkward jokes that often didn’t get good reactions from the crowd. One shocking moment came when he threatened to sue his own pick for Federal Reserve chairman. The event brings together Washington’s top politicians and CEOs every year, and Trump’s performance mixed complaints, political attacks, and a focus on himself.
According to The Washington Post, this was the first time President Trump spoke at the exclusive Alfalfa Club, which has existed since 1913 and has deep ties to Washington tradition. The event is closed to the media, letting around 200 members and their guests meet at the Capital Hilton. Trump had canceled an appearance at this dinner in 2017, but he made up for it this year.
Trump spent his Saturday evening in a room with several people he clearly dislikes. The audience included political and business rivals like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who Trump is currently suing, and outgoing Fed Chairman Jerome H. Powell, whose role is being investigated. Trump didn’t hide the tension in the room.
Trump’s strange jokes and threats made for an uncomfortable evening
“So many people in the room I hate,” President Trump reportedly said, before adding, “Most of you I like. Who in the h— thought this was going to happen?”Trump made some truly odd jokes about policy. He said he might cut his speech short because he needed to watch the invasion of Greenland, though he quickly said he was joking.
He then switched to a different strange plan, saying, “We’re not going to invade Greenland. We’re going to buy it.” He continued by saying it was never his plan to make Greenland the 51st state, adding, “I want to make Canada the 51st state. Greenland will be the 52nd state. Venezuela can be 53rd.”
The biggest shock of the night probably came when he pointed out Kevin Warsh, his choice to be the next Fed chairman. Trump joked that if Warsh doesn’t lower interest rates, “I’m suing his a– off.” After silence from the crowd, he added, “I’m kidding.” But then, after another pause, he said an unclear, “Eh…” When asked about these comments later, President Trump said the dinner was a “roast” and a “comedy night,” though he also confirmed he really does hope Warsh lowers rates.
Trump also attacked political opponents. He talked about calling Senator Elizabeth Warren “Pocahontas,” referring to her claims of Native American heritage. He told the crowd she was supposed to be there but “couldn’t find her reservation.”
He also mentioned Chief Justice John Roberts, admitting he had a harsh joke ready. “If you think I’m going to tell that joke you can forget it,” he said, adding that he’s going to “kiss his a– for a long time,” seemingly referring to Roberts’ important role in legal cases involving his administration. Earlier this week, Trump showed a different side by working with Democrat governors on AI. After the dinner, President Trump got on Air Force One for a trip to Palm Beach scheduled to last less than 24 hours.
Still wearing his tuxedo, he talked to reporters and created more headlines. He confirmed that serious talks are happening with Iran and praised Tom Homan, the official sent to Minneapolis, as a “star.” He also announced plans to file more lawsuits, saying he plans to sue journalist Michael Wolff and possibly the Jeffrey Epstein estate for trying to hurt him politically. The president has been busy with major policy moves, including when he declared an emergency for oil tariffs.
Published: Feb 2, 2026 01:45 pm