The elegantly arranged venue for the 2025 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place on April 26 in Washington, D.C., but this year’s event was notably different. With no comedic roast and the absence of former President Donald Trump, the evening focused more on celebrating journalism than humor. Despite a star-studded guest list, the atmosphere felt subdued, leaving many attendees missing the traditional laughter and light-hearted jabs that usually characterize the dinner.
On April 26, the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place at the Hilton in Washington, D.C., but this year’s event felt different. Known for its mix of journalists, political figures, and celebrities, the dinner, often playfully dubbed “nerd prom,” had a noticeably dialed-down format. Gone was the traditional comedic roast that typically brings laughter to the evening, leaving an air of predictability in its place.
This year, former President Donald Trump decided to skip the dinner entirely, a choice that aligns with his previous term when he also opted out of attending every year. Instead, he was busy paying his respects at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. This absence was felt throughout the evening, with many guests reminiscing about the electric atmosphere that accompanies a president’s presence at the event. Furthermore, the White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, chose to sit this one out too.
Usually, laughter lights up the Correspondents’ Dinner, but this year, a twist occurred with comedian Amber Ruffin being disinvited from the festivities. This decision followed staff criticisms related to her previous critical comments about the Trump administration, which took a hit on the event’s tone. WHCA President Eugene Daniels emphasized that the focus should be on celebrating journalism, prioritizing support for education and mentorship through scholarships. Despite these good intentions, the crowd seemed to miss the comedic touch that typically rounds off the night.
Even with the absence of comedy and the president, the guest list still sparkled with stars. Celebrities like Jason Isaacs, Dean Norris, Lynda Carter (the one and only Wonder Woman), Alex Borstein, and Kevin O’Leary from “Shark Tank” graced the event. Isaacs rocked an all-black ensemble, while Norris opted for a classic black-and-white tuxedo, embodying the elegance expected at such a prestigious gathering. Borstein turned heads with a stunning blue velvet peekaboo gown, ensuring that the evening had its fair share of glamour.
Amidst the subdued atmosphere, Eugene Daniels found an opportunity to reflect on current threats to journalism. He expressed appreciation for past U.S. presidents who attended, acknowledging how crucial their participation was in fostering relationships between the press and the political sphere. A compilation video showcasing past presidents at the dinner, including Joe Biden and Barack Obama, was presented, leading to nostalgic cheers from the audience.
Despite the glamorous celebrity presence and a focus on honoring journalism, the dinner was devoid of the usual energy. The lack of comedic entertainment left a feeling of disappointment, and attendees could be seen sharing their thoughts on how the event felt insular and subdued. Traditionally, the dinner offered not just a platform to celebrate journalists but also an opportunity for witty jabs and light-hearted roasts aimed at political figures, including the sitting president. This year, the absence of that lightness meant the event lost a little bit of its spark.
In summary, while the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner held its place as a noteworthy gathering for journalism and celebrity culture, its absence of humor and the notable lack of the sitting president created a night that many attendees felt lacked the expected vibrancy. Still, it was an occasion that allowed journalists to honor each other’s hard work and contributions, reminding everyone that even in quieter moments, celebrating the fourth estate remains crucial.
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