Washington, D.C. — The annual dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association took on a notably subdued tone Saturday night, focusing on journalism and the First Amendment amid ongoing tensions between the press and President Donald Trump. Absent were the usual comedic performances and political pageantry, further emphasizing the serious atmosphere surrounding the event during Trump’s second term.
This year’s gathering reflected a changing dynamic in which access to the press has become more contentious. Over the past few years, Trump has challenged the traditional role of the correspondents’ association, claiming authority over which media outlets receive preferential access to the White House. This shift began following his former colleague Barack Obama’s jokes about Trump’s presidential ambitions at the 2011 dinner, ultimately leading Trump to skip the event during his first term.
Eugene Daniels, president of the correspondents’ association, expressed the purpose of the evening in an email to the organization’s members, stating it was a celebration of journalistic integrity and the vital role of a free press. The decision to remove scheduled entertainment, including a segment by comedian Amber Ruffin—who previously criticized the administration—underscored this commitment to seriousness over levity.
Despite the changes, the ballroom of the Washington Hilton remained packed with journalists, public figures, and a few celebrities. During the night, Daniels paid special tribute to Debra Tice, whose son Austin has been missing in Syria for a decade, reminding attendees of the personal stakes involved in coverage.
Daniels highlighted the unwavering dedication of journalists who “each day run to the White House,” emphasizing their mission to hold those in power accountable. A video montage showcased past presidents addressing the dinner, reinforcing the indispensable role of the media in safeguarding democracy.
The Trump administration has seen multiple confrontations with the press, including an ongoing Federal Communications Commission investigation into various media companies. Recently, the White House implemented a new press policy limiting access for certain news organizations, including significant restrictions on the Associated Press. This decision followed a federal judge’s injunction aimed at restoring access for the agency, highlighting the volatile relationship between the administration and the media.
In a moment of introspection, Axios reporter Alex Thompson, who received the Aldo Beckman Award for his diligent reporting, acknowledged criticisms directed at the press for its handling of coverage concerning President Biden. “We bear some responsibility for faith in the media being at such lows,” Thompson admitted, recognizing the challenges journalists face amidst changing public views.
The dinner also recognized several journalists for their outstanding contributions to the field. Notable awards included Aamer Madhani and Zeke Miller from the Associated Press for their print coverage of alterations made to White House transcripts, and Rachel Scott of ABC News, honored for her compelling reporting on an assassination attempt involving Trump.
Other distinguished awards celebrated visual journalism and investigative reporting, including the Katharine Graham Award for work on fentanyl production by Reuters and a series from the Associated Press on the challenges faced by incarcerated workers.
While the evening lacked its typical entertainment flair, it reaffirmed a shared commitment among journalists to uphold the values of transparency and accountability during a time when such principles are increasingly contested.