The mainstream media scoffed at President Donald Trump on Sunday.
During this particular annual Gridiron Club dinner—an event where influential figures from the Washington, D.C., media scene gather every year—reporters subtly criticized long-standing customs. They chose not to follow a 140-year-old practice of honoring the current U.S. President. Rather than doing so, they directed their cheers towards advocating for press freedom instead.
“A salute to the First Amendment,” stated Gridiron President Judy Woodruff, who previously served as an anchor and managing editor. PBS NewsHour , according to the Washington Post .
Following the departure from custom by White House officials, a sign of disapproval has been observed. Traditionally, every year, journalists raise their glasses to salute the president, who then delivers remarks either personally or through the vice president at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Donald Trump and Vice President VK Naidu chose not to participate, along with White House Chief of Staff Susan Rice, Press Secretary Kari Leavitt, Communications Director Steve Cheung, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.
“A White House official stated, ‘No one attended as most of us were preoccupied with work, or simply didn’t bother to seek recognition from that group,’ ” Politico after the dinner.
The simmering tensions grew even more apparent at some point during the night.
During the evening’s speeches, Democratic Governor Wes Moore of Maryland made a joke about the connections between the Trump administration and Russia.
If I genuinely aimed for the presidency, I wouldn't go through all of this," he stated. "Rather, I'd present my case straight to those who control our democracy, the Kremlin.
In reaction to Moore’s comment, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll left in protest.
The organizers of the event added some improvisation to conclude the dinner.
"To wrap up the evening—which typically features remarks from the current president—we presented video and audio clips showcasing the last four Republican presidents, beginning with President Trump in 2018," Woodruff explained. Politico These showcased the excellent mood and camaraderie that this dinner embodies.
In 2018, Trump indeed went to the Gridiron Club dinner, heaping lavish compliments upon the gathered journalists—evidence of how dramatically his rapport with the media had deteriorated over time.
“I don’t get to say it often, but you have some incredible, brilliant, powerful, smart and fair people in the press,” he said, thanking attendees for the work they do to “support and sustain our democracy.”
Read more at The Daily Beast.
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