Trump’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner Speech Sparks Media Divide Over Tradition vs. Tension

As media personalities mingled across Washington on Friday night, one question dominated the festivities: Would President Donald Trump berate the press during his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?

“I’m more worried that he’s going to Red Wedding the Washington Hilton,” “Pod Save America” co-host Jon Favreau quipped to TheWrap at Crooked Media’s gathering at Washington’s Café Riggs. The grim joke underscored the tension surrounding Trump’s upcoming appearance—and the White House Correspondents’ Association’s decision to invite him.

The controversy stems from fears that Trump will use the platform to criticize journalists, despite the event’s tradition of celebrating the First Amendment. Over 300 journalists signed a letter urging the WHCA to confront Trump’s attacks on the press, while others argued for a more conciliatory approach.

Incoming WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich and Politico correspondent Dasha Burns told TheWrap they welcomed Trump’s participation. “We have to all face each other,” Burns said. “I think sticking your head in the sand is not the answer for either the press or the president.”

The divide reflects the unprecedented nature of an event where journalists host a president openly hostile to the media they cover. Historically, the WHCA invites the president, who typically delivers lighthearted jabs at the press while praising press freedom. This year, however, any mockery—or outright criticism—would occur against the backdrop of a 15-month campaign by Trump and his administration to undermine journalism.

Trump declined the WHCA’s invitations during his first term and last year. His administration has sued news organizations, threatened broadcasters, restricted Pentagon access, and targeted journalists like Don Lemon, who faces federal charges related to his coverage of an anti-ICE protest.

“I’m not interested in dressing up in a tuxedo, sipping champagne, and pretending everything is normal with a president and a regime that spends every day attacking, undermining and trying to discredit journalists and journalism,” Lemon told TheWrap last week, explaining why he would not attend the dinner. He did, however, stop by Grindr’s after-party, where the line stretched for roughly an hour.

At beehiiv’s party with watchmaker Shinola, veteran journalist Terry Moran—now an independent journalist—expressed skepticism about Trump’s willingness to honor the event’s spirit. “I don’t think that’s what Trump is going to do,” Moran said. “I think he’s going to trash the press, but I actually think it’s worth the price. We will want this post-Trump, and post-Trump is coming. Rather than both sides tearing the whole thing down, let him throw his tantrum, and the press hold on to this tradition.”

Guests at Shinola’s flagship D.C. store enjoyed mini lobster rolls and lychee martinis as CNN’s Dana Bash chatted with colleague Brian Stelter, and podcaster Kara Swisher posed alongside beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk.