Attendees Emphasize "Freedom of the Press" Amid Trump's Attacks on the Media
This year's White House Correspondents' Dinner was held in a somber atmosphere due to the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to reports from the New York Times (NYT) and others on the 27th (local time).
President Trump returned directly to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the previous evening after attending the funeral mass for Pope Francis at the Vatican. Sitting U.S. presidents have traditionally attended the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, but President Trump did not attend during his first term either. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was also absent from the dinner.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner has drawn attention every year as the sitting president and a well-known comedian exchange witty remarks on political issues. This year, the correspondents invited comedian Amber Ruffin as the main performer, but this was also canceled. After Ruffin criticized the Trump administration as "a kind of group of murderers" on a podcast last month, the correspondents decided to adjust their plans, citing a desire to avoid "the politics of division."
Journalists at the dinner emphasized the First Amendment, which underscores 'freedom of the press.' According to the NYT, the loudest applause was given to AP reporters who faced reporting restrictions for refusing to comply with President Trump's executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the American Gulf.
Jim VandeHei, co-founder of the online media outlet Axios, said, "The president is absent and there is no comedian to poke fun at journalists. Broadcasters are succumbing to government pressure, and prominent producers have resigned due to corporate interference," adding, "The mood and reality are gloomy."
Eugene Daniels, president of the White House Correspondents' Association, said of journalists, "We are competitive and respectful, but we are also human." He added, "We are not the opposition, nor are we enemies of the people or the country." He went on to say, "We have been tested and attacked," and added, "The only mission that drives journalists to rush to the White House every morning is to ensure that those in power are held accountable."
Since his first term, President Trump has criticized mainstream media as "fake news," and his stance has recently become even more hostile. He is threatening to shut down broadcasters such as CBS and has filed a series of lawsuits against the media. The White House has also arbitrarily changed the reporting system to increase participation from internet outlets favorable to President Trump.
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