Donald Trump will attend the White House Correspondents' Association dinner as president for the first time on Saturday, ending a long boycott of the annual event that celebrates press freedom — a value he has frequently scorned. While his motives remain unclear, the move comes after years of unprecedented hostility toward journalists.
Key Incidents of Press Intimidation
The 'Your Mom' Incident
In October 2025, HuffPost White House Correspondent S.V. Dáte asked a routine question about the site selection for a Trump-Putin meeting. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded with a childish retort: 'Your mom did.' Communications Director Steven Cheung echoed the insult. When Dáte questioned the appropriateness, Leavitt escalated with personal attacks, calling him a 'far left hack.'
Record Lawsuits
Trump has filed numerous lawsuits against media outlets, seeking massive damages. Notable cases include a $10 billion suit against The Wall Street Journal and $15 billion against The New York Times, both dismissed by courts. A $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC is pending. Trump also has active suits against CNN, the Des Moines Register, and the Pulitzer Board. FBI Director Kash Patel recently sued The Atlantic for $250 million over allegations of erratic behavior. Trump secured settlements from ABC ($15 million) and Paramount ($16 million).
Investigations and Arrests
The Federal Trade Commission investigated Media Matters for America, costing the watchdog $15 million in legal fees. Federal agents arrested independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort for covering an ICE protest. The FBI raided Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home, seizing devices after she co-authored a critical article about DOGE.
Blocking Press Access
In 2025, the White House revoked the WHCA's role in press pool rotation, taking control itself. Hours later, HuffPost and Reuters were removed from the pool, replaced by Axios and right-wing outlets. The Associated Press was barred from events after refusing to use 'Gulf of America' for the Gulf of Mexico. The Pentagon imposed restrictive press rules, later overturned by a judge.
Personal Attacks on Female Journalists
Trump has repeatedly targeted female reporters. In November 2025, he told Bloomberg's Catherine Lucey to 'Quiet, piggy!' during a press conference. He called a New York Times reporter 'ugly' and 'third rate.' He has insulted CNN's Kaitlan Collins for not smiling and called NOTUS's Jasmine Wright a 'disgrace.'
