Journalists slam Trump’s attacks, declare 'we are not the enemy of the people' at tense 2025 WHCA dinner

WASHINGTON, DC: The annual 2025 White House Correspondents' Dinner went ahead Saturday night, April 26. Reporters, editors, and celebrities gathered at the Washington Hilton, but the event was way more subdued than in years past.

Instead of the usual glitz and comedy, the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) decided to focus on honoring journalism itself this year, steering clear of directly calling out the mounting attacks on the free press coming from the current administration. 

President Donald Trump, just like in his first term, decided to skip the party. His relationship with the press has always been rocky, but has now escalated into outright warfare.

In just his first 100 days back in office, Trump has banned the Associated Press from covering the White House because they wouldn't change "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" in their reportage, and even slapped CBS News with a lawsuit over a '60 Minutes' interview with then-Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, the Irish Star reported.

Big wins for journalism amid the drama

Several media outlets walked away with major awards Saturday night — but none bigger than the one snagged by Axios reporter Alex Thompson.

Thompson was honored for his hard-hitting reporting on President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline and the web of cover-ups orchestrated by Biden’s own family and staff. 

Meanwhile, Thompson's upcoming book with CNN's Jake Tapper promises a deep dive into Biden’s decline, especially leading up to that infamous debate disaster against Trump — the pivotal moment that eventually ended Biden’s re-election hopes. 

Accepting the Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage, Thompson spoke with candor. "President Biden's decline and its cover-up by the people around him is a reminder that every White House, regardless of party, is capable of deception," he declared.

Eugene Daniels throws some shade

While Donald Trump’s absence loomed large, WHCA President and MSNBC reporter Eugene Daniels insisted that the dinner was never about currying favor with presidents—it’s about holding them accountable. 

"We invite them to demonstrate that those of us who have chosen the public service of journalism aren't doing it because we love flights on Air Force One or walking into the Oval Office," Daniels said. "It's to remind them why a strong fourth estate is essential for democracy."

To drive the point home, Daniels rolled a video montage showing past presidents — Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton, Obama, and even Biden — all taking part in the tradition. Trump remains the only president in decades who’s never shown up for the WHCD while in office.

Furthermore, there was no comedian headliner. The WHCA abruptly canceled Amber Ruffin’s planned performance after she reportedly wanted to mock Trump’s crew by calling them a "bunch of murderers".

Daniels explained the decision earlier this year. "At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists," he said.

A shorter night, a stronger message

Without the president and without a comedian to roast the political class, the 2025 WHCD wrapped up earlier than usual. But Daniels made sure the night ended on a powerful yet emotional note.

"We journalists are a lot of things, we're competitive and pushy, we're impatient, and sometimes we think we know everything," Daniels said. "But we're also human, we miss our families and significant life moments in service to this job."

"We care deeply about accuracy and take seriously the heavy responsibility of being stewards of the public's trust. What we are not is the opposition, what we are not is the enemy of the people, and what we are not is the enemy of the state," he concluded.

No names were mentioned, but everyone knew exactly who Daniels was talking about. After all, Trump has repeatedly branded the media as the "enemy of the people" — a label he’s continued to sling in his second term.