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Washington politicians and the journalists who cover them have an often adversarial relationship.
But on the last Saturday in April, they gather for an irreverent celebration of press freedom and the First Amendment at the Washington Hilton Hotel: the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Hosted by the association, an organization that helps ensure access for media covering the presidency, the dinner draws Hollywood stars; politicians of both parties; and representatives of more than 100 networks, newspapers, magazines and news services.
While The Times will have two reporters in the ballroom covering the event, the company is no longer buying seats at the party, said Richard W. Stevenson, Washington bureau chief. The decision dates back almost two decades; The last dinner The Times as an organization attended was in 2007.
“At the time we felt that the event had become too celebrity-focused and was undermining our need to demonstrate to readers that we always seek to maintain an appropriate distance from the people we cover, many of whom attend as guests,” he said.
It is a decision, he added, that “we have maintained during the Republican and Democratic administrations, although we support the work of the White House Correspondents Association.”
Susan Wessling, Times Standards editor, said the policy is a product of the organization’s desire to maintain editorial independence.
“We do not want to leave readers with questions about our independence and credibility by appearing too friendly with people whose words and actions we must report on,” he said.
Famed mentalist Oz Pearlman headlines the evening, instead of the usual comedy from the likes of Stephen Colbert and Hasan Minhaj, but all eyes will be on President Trump, who will make his first appearance at the dinner as president.
Trump has boycotted the event for more than a decade. At the 2011 dinner, she was the butt of jokes from President Barack Obama and talk show host Seth Meyers, mocking her hair, her reality TV show and her concern about the “birther” movement.
However, last month, Trump, who has a contentious relationship with the media, announced his intention to attend this year’s dinner, where he will speak to a room full of the same reporters he often derides as “enemies of the people.”
Times reporters will be there to document the ups, downs and reactions in the room. A reporter from Styles’ desk has also been assigned to cover the robust slate of after-parties in Washington.
Some off-duty Times reporters will also be present on this nightly circuit, although all remain aware of their roles, said Patrick Healy, Times deputy Standards and Trust editor.
“If they are reporting, there is a notebook or a tape recorder as usual,” he said. “If they aren’t, they are professionals who know they will always be identifiable as Times journalists.”
However, for most Times reporters and editors, the evening will be spent at home.
“The rest of us will be able to follow the coverage,” Stevenson said, “without having to put on a tuxedo or gown.”
