White House Correspondents’ Association President Says Press Isn’t ‘The Enemy,’ Takes Aim At Trump

Former President Donald Trump once again chose not to attend the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a tradition that dates back more than a century. The dinner brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities to celebrate the importance of a free press in a democratic society.

During this year’s event, Eugene Daniels, the president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, delivered a passionate speech defending journalists and the role of the media. He acknowledged that journalists can be competitive, impatient, and sometimes seem like they know it all—but reminded the audience that they are also human. Many sacrifice time with loved ones and important life moments in service of keeping the public informed.

Daniels stressed that journalists deeply care about getting the facts right and that they carry a big responsibility: to earn and maintain the public’s trust. He firmly stated that journalists are not the enemy of the state or the enemy of the people—a clear response to Trump’s past comments accusing the media of being untrustworthy or dangerous.

Trump has repeatedly clashed with the press and pushed the idea of “fake news,” especially during his presidency. He even issued an executive order that required media outlets to use his preferred term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico,” and reportedly banned the Associated Press from the press pool when they didn’t comply.

Daniels went on to say that the president isn’t invited to the dinner as a form of flattery or privilege. Instead, it’s meant to remind whoever holds that office of the vital role journalism plays in keeping democracy strong. It’s not about perks like flying on Air Force One—it’s about accountability, public service, and upholding the First Amendment.

Trump is the only president since the event began in 1921—besides Ronald Reagan, who missed it in 1981 while recovering from an assassination attempt—to completely avoid attending the dinner while in office. His continued absence highlights the ongoing tension between his administration and the media, which critics say has only intensified in his second term.