Overview

• The Gridiron Club dinner, a 140-year-old tradition, chose not to toast the sitting president for the first time, opting instead to celebrate the First Amendment.
• President Trump and top administration officials declined invitations to the event, marking a stark contrast to past years when presidents or senior staff often attended.
• The decision to forgo the presidential toast comes as Trump continues to criticize the media, including banning outlets like the Associated Press from White House events and investigating CBS and ABC reporting practices.
• Judy Woodruff, Gridiron Club president, emphasized the dinner's history of humor and fellowship but noted the absence of high-ranking administration representatives this year.
• The evening featured satirical skits and speeches, with bipartisan jabs at political figures, but also highlighted serious concerns about press freedom and democracy.