Four decades ago, while working as a White House reporter for Knight-Ridder’s publication (now McClatchy), I engaged in a minor struggle for democracy.
I was expected to oversee the annual election of officers for the White House Correspondents Association, a process outlined in the organization’s bylaws that had been overlooked for years. Until my protest, an officer stepping down would simply pass his role to a comrade, who would negotiate a reporting policy with the White House—often disadvantaging journalists like myself.
Today, this association must undertake significant efforts to uphold democratic values, which have become more crucial than ever. It is about preserving the free press that President Trump is undermining with his reckless behavior and genuine journalism.
For over a century, the White House Correspondents Association has hosted an annual spring dinner with a distinct aim: to honor the First Amendment. Traditionally, the president and key officials from the administration are also present, as they support a free press as well.
At one stage during the Black Tie event, a gathering of approximately 3,000 journalists, government officials, executives, and celebrities will raise a toast to the First Amendment. This acknowledgment signifies that despite challenging relations regarding the administration’s reporting, mutual respect can still flourish in delivering information to a free society.
Now is the moment to prepare for tomorrow’s White House Correspondents Association dinner and cease breaking bread with the Trump administration.
Trump and his administration’s supporters have plainly shown that they disregard the First Amendment, traditional news media, fair journalism, or the truth that these organizations provide to the American public.
Trump, the first president to skip dinner during his initial term, labeled mainstream media as “The Enemy of the People,” and in February, he began restricting Associated Press because its influential style guide refuses to change its title to the “American Gulf,” as Trump advocated.
The Associated Press pursued legal action, and a federal judge mandated the White House to restore its right to report on Trump, ruling that it infringed upon the organization’s First Amendment rights. Unsurprisingly, the White House is appealing the ruling.
Moreover, the White House altered the “pool” rotation system managed by the White House Correspondents Association. This pool has historically included a small group of reporters from various outlets covering the president’s events directly, after which the pool reporter would distribute details to colleagues.
Instead, the White House stated that “participants in the pool are intended to give ‘they’ and ‘they are going to provide'” employing tactics reminiscent of authoritarian regimes in other nations—favoring certain friendly reporters.
Another alarming step towards stifling free speech has led the government to detain and legally expel foreigners in the U.S. due to their unfavorable views toward Gaza’s Palestinians and other issues that offend Trump’s supporters.
Given such actions, the White House Correspondents Association will betray its very foundation if Trump boycotts the event again, while his supporters attend and hold dinner this spring.
The association was established in 1914 in response to President Woodrow Wilson’s attempt to eliminate press conferences due to dissatisfaction with reports from several newspapers. Advocating for equitable reporting on behalf of the American populace should align with the White House Correspondents Association, rather than sharing meals with individuals intent on dismantling the free press.
Therefore, a more favorable approach for the dinner is warranted. As some reporters have proposed, instead of cancellation, it could be reformulated into a lively celebration of America’s First Amendment from start to finish.
They should exclude all Trump supporters and invite individuals who have championed press freedom worldwide as special guests. This would include leaders from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Press Freedom Commission, citizens risking their lives, representatives of journalism awards that enhance our profession annually, and professors of journalism who inspire students to engage in our craft.
Continuing scholarships for promising students dedicated to pursuing honest and fair journalism using the funds generated is essential.
Cancellation due to pressure from the White House, evening comedian Amber Ruffin is disheartening, especially since she previously criticized Trump. Standing up to bullies reveals a concerning lack of resolve within the organization.
There’s no doubt that the White House Correspondents Association is facing immense pressure to orchestrate a boycott of White House briefings according to some voices.
At the very least, the association can host dinner with allies of a free press to honor and safeguard its unique privileges. The future of our country rests on this.
Owen Ullman, a regular participant at the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner, Executive Editor of International Economy magazine. He is the author of Empathy Economics (2022), a biography of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
