Republican Party criticizes Democratic Party for saying there won’t be White House Correspondents’ Dinner if Trump wins.
The Republican Party is taking aim at President Biden’s campaign for what they’re calling an “out-of-touch” memo warning that a victory for former President Trump in the 2024 election could spell the end of one of Washington’s most glamorous traditions.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the days leading up to it are a social highlight, often restricted to exclusive invitations, where the crème de la crème of D.C.’s media, journalism, and political spheres come together to celebrate press freedom.
In a statement issued Thursday evening, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) cautioned that Trump’s return to the White House could signal the demise of these iconic festivities.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, scheduled for this Saturday, will be attended by President Biden, while the absence of former President Trump has been notable.
The backlash from the Republican National Committee (RNC) was strong, with spokesperson Anna Kelly stating: “Biden might spend his time in 2024 hobnobbing with East Coast elites in Delaware, but President Trump and the Republicans will remain focused on addressing critical issues and presenting solutions to Biden’s shortcomings across areas like the economy and immigration.”
During his time as president, Trump never showed up for the event. Instead, in 2019, he opted for a rally with his supporters and even barred members of his administration from attending, as reported by Reuters. The 2020 dinner was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, President Biden attended the dinner, hosted by comedian Roy Wood Jr., marking a departure from Trump’s approach.
The DNC’s scathing statement on Thursday criticized Trump for snubbing the dinner, alleging it was yet another instance of the former president displaying disrespect for journalists and the principles enshrined in the First Amendment.
Rapid response director of the DNC, Alex Floyd, asserted: “We sincerely hope that everyone enjoys themselves this weekend, but let’s not forget that if Donald Trump emerges victorious in November, this Saturday might just be the final White House Correspondents’ Dinner we see. Let’s be clear: Trump is a thin-skinned narcissist who, despite his obsession with cable news, perpetually attacks the media and struggles to handle light-hearted banter.”
Regarding Trump’s habitual absence from the event, Floyd added, “Each year he was in office, Trump avoided the White House Correspondents’ Dinner due to his deep-seated insecurities and desperate need for approval from the same individuals he openly disparages. This was before he outright prohibited members of his team from attending altogether.”
Amid the festivities and humor this weekend, Saturday serves as a reminder of the stakes involved with a disgruntled, retaliatory Trump seeking re-election. Despite being a figure of ridicule, he embodies a resentful, authoritarian wannabe who disregards the First Amendment and the importance of a free press.
Requests for comment from the Trump campaign were met with silence, while the DNC declined to offer further statements on the matter.
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