Washington, D.C. — Journalists assembled on Saturday at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, making a clear statement in defense of press freedom, asserting they are “not the enemy of the people.” This year’s gala had a somber tone, notably absent of the customary presidential presence, comedian performances, and the star-studded attendance seen in previous years.
Under the looming shadow of a potential second Trump administration, this year’s event was characterized by fewer political figures and Hollywood celebrities. The former president’s absence came as no surprise, given his history of disparaging the media. During his time in office, Trump branded journalists as adversaries and distanced himself from traditional press engagements, a practice he continued this year.
Eugene Daniels, president of the Correspondents’ Association, emphasized the importance of inviting presidents from both major political parties, not to flatter them, but to remind them of their duty to uphold democratic values. “We don’t invite them to curry favor,” said Daniels. He also showcased a montage of past presidents using humor to highlight the crucial role of the press in democracy, contrasting it sharply with Trump’s lack of attendance.
As the audience reflected on the past, Daniels expressed solidarity among journalists, acknowledging their human side amid the competitive nature of the profession. “We care deeply about accuracy and understand the weight of our responsibility,” he stated, adding that they should not be viewed as enemies of the state.
The Trump administration’s tenure had been marked by numerous confrontations with the press, including threats to funding for public broadcasters and legal action against several media outlets. These developments have raised concerns about press freedom increasing over the years, echoing the sentiments expressed at the dinner.
In addition to addressing pressing issues in journalism, the evening honored distinguished individuals in the field and announced scholarships aimed at nurturing future journalists. While acceptance speeches observed a non-partisan tone, they collectively underscored the vital need to protect the First Amendment, which safeguards free speech.
Among the award winners, Alex Thompson from Axios captured the room’s attention with his candid remarks regarding the media’s responsibility to scrutinize all aspects of political leadership, including President Biden’s performance. He criticized the media’s failure to adequately address questions surrounding Biden’s mental acuity during the campaign, reminding colleagues of the need for honesty and accountability in journalism.
The event, once a comedic spectacle, took a more serious turn after canceling comedian Amber Ruffin’s appearance due to her pointed criticisms of the Trump administration. Her remarks had previously stirred controversy, illustrating the delicate balance between humor and political commentary in today’s media environment.
Although the formal gala saw fewer politicians, some, like Senator Amy Klobuchar, embraced the evening as an opportunity to honor journalistic integrity, likening the atmosphere to the Academy Awards for journalists. She noted that conversations revolved around the press’s responsibilities rather than dwelling on Trump, signifying a return to the core values of the event.
Overall, the dinner reflected the current state of journalism, marked by challenges and a commitment to perseverance in the face of adversity. With a renewed focus on the importance of truth, accuracy, and the indispensable role of the press in democracy, journalists left the gala determined to continue their essential work.