The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is an annual tradition that brings together the power of Washington and the press. With over a century of history, the event honors the First Amendment and the current president. This year, Joe Biden delivered a humorous speech, avoiding mention of conflicts like the war in Gaza or support for Benjamin Netanyahu.
Outside the Hilton hotel, where the gala was held, hundreds of protesters voiced their opposition to the war in Gaza and Washington’s support for Israel. They were met by nearly three thousand guests dressed in formal attire, who entered the hotel amidst the protests. Inside, journalists’ vests were displayed in honor of fallen reporters, including those who died in recent conflicts in Gaza.
President Biden made light of his age and took jabs at his Republican opponent, Donald Trump. He joked about the upcoming elections and the legal troubles facing Trump. Comedian Colin Jost also brought humor to the event with his jokes about Biden and current events. Guests at the gala included celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and politicians like Governors and Secretaries of State.
The event is often referred to as “the Oscars of Washington,” bringing together Washington’s power circles in a more informal setting. After speeches and jokes, attendees dispersed to exclusive after-parties, leaving behind protests outside