Overview

• President Donald Trump skipped the dinner for the fourth time, continuing his contentious relationship with the press and attending Pope Francis's funeral in Rome instead.
• The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) canceled comedian Amber Ruffin’s performance, prioritizing journalism awards and scholarships over political division.
• WHCA President Eugene Daniels emphasized the press’s resilience, stating members are ‘tested, attacked’ but committed to holding the powerful accountable.
• The Trump administration’s recent restrictions on press access, including banning the Associated Press and reshuffling pool assignments, were a major backdrop to the event.
• The dinner, traditionally a star-studded affair, saw reduced celebrity presence and a more subdued tone, reflecting the challenges facing journalism today.