The move highlights the ongoing tension between Trump and the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA).
Trump’s team has also taken control of pool reporter access and barred the Associated Press from participation after clashes over messaging. Trump’s previous counter to the dinner included his “fake news awards.”
This year, comedian Amber Ruffin was removed as headliner after controversial remarks. Trump officials have labeled the dinner a biased, left-leaning event.
Meanwhile, a CNN report revealed a political shift: Republicans are now viewed equally to Democrats as the party that best represents everyday Americans—a notable change from past polling trends where Democrats held a clear advantage.