Trump to Attend First White House Press Dinner After Years of Avoidance

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The White House Correspondents’ Association has issued an invitation to Donald Trump to attend its annual dinner on Saturday, marking his first time as president. The event, which dates back to 1921, typically features a comedian and has been attended by sitting presidents for decades.

Trump had previously declined invitations to the dinner, citing concerns about the event’s format and tone. However, he has now accepted an invitation to attend, sparking questions about the role of the press corps in modern times.

The Society of Professional Journalists and other groups have called on the White House Correspondents’ Association to reaffirm its commitment to protecting freedom of the press. In a statement, they urged the organization to send a clear message to Trump about the importance of press freedom.

Trump has a history of criticizing the media and has issued lawsuits against news organizations for coverage he deems unfair. His presence at the dinner has raised concerns about the event’s ability to maintain its independence from the presidency.

The White House Correspondents’ Association was established in 1914 as a response to President Woodrow Wilson’s threats to eliminate presidential news conferences. The organization has worked to expand access to the White House for reporters and has featured comedians at the dinner since the early 1980s.

This year’s dinner will feature changes, including the absence of a comedian. Trump is expected to speak at the event, which will be his first time as president.

Source: Al Jazeera