The Gridiron Club's annual white-tie dinner in Washington, typically a gathering for politicians and the press, saw notable absences this year, particularly from President Trump and his administration. Despite invitations extended to the president, vice president, and key cabinet members, all declined to attend, highlighting Trump's ongoing detachment from the Washington establishment.
Judy Woodruff, president of the Gridiron Club, confirmed that only Scott Turner, the secretary of housing and urban development, attended, while other prominent Republicans, originally planning to join, opted out upon learning of Trump's absence. The event, designed for light-hearted exchanges between political figures and journalists, was overshadowed by tensions and divisions.
The evening included skits poking fun at various political figures and issues, yet the atmosphere was marked by a sense of disconnection. Guests included notable media and political personalities, but the traditional toast to the president was notably absent, with Woodruff expressing regret over Trump's nonattendance.
Discussions among attendees reflected on the current political climate, with some questioning the viability of maintaining unity in a highly polarized environment. The dinner also served as a reminder of Trump's strategy to position himself against established elites, further complicating the relationship between his administration and the press.
While the Gridiron Club attempted to maintain its long-standing traditions, the absence of key political figures and the overall sentiment of the gathering indicated a shift in Washington's social dynamics, with Trump's counter-establishment creating its own exclusive circles away from traditional political gatherings.
The event's subdued atmosphere was echoed by a local formal wear shop owner, who noted a decline in business, reflecting the overall sentiment of the evening.