The 2025 dinner will not have its traditional headlining comedian as the association removed Amber Ruffin in March following critical Trump comments.

As if on cue, a light rain fell on guests dressed in suits and cocktail dresses as they walked into the brick palace decorated with coats of arms and portraits of King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. Many hopped into a red phone booth at the entrance for a photo op.

This year’s White House Correspondents’ weekend is shaping up to be a contrast moment ripe for tension and awkwardness. The press, somber and tentative after President Donald Trump and his administration have pulled access and sued outlets over coverage,