The annual Gridiron Club dinner in Washington is a longstanding tradition that brings together top journalists, politicians, and media personalities for an evening of humor, satire, and camaraderie. This year’s event featured jokes about President Trump, the breakdown of the global order, Russia, Democrats’ uncertain future, and, of course, Elon Musk.
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, a rising star in the Democratic Party, was one of the headliners at the dinner. Moore, acknowledging his own political ambitions, took a playful jab at the White House’s current occupant, stating, “If I actually wanted to be president, I wouldn’t do any of this. Instead, I would take my case directly to the people who are in charge of our democracy. The Kremlin.” The crowd, filled with reporters, editors, television anchors, and ambassadors, chuckled along with Moore’s quips about Mr. Trump and Russia.
Interestingly, President Trump and key members of his administration chose to skip the dinner, breaking with the tradition of past presidents who have attended the event hosted by the Gridiron Club since its inception in 1885. While Mr. Trump did attend the dinner in 2018 and made self-deprecating jokes about the turmoil of his administration, this was the first and last time he graced the event.
With no president in attendance this year, lesser-known political and media figures had the opportunity to take center stage. Representative Lisa McClain of Michigan, the Republican headliner, kicked off the evening with a witty remark about Robert Kennedy and the measles, setting the tone for a night of satire and humor.
PBS journalist Judy Woodruff entertained the audience with jokes about Elon Musk’s family and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s drinking habits. She didn’t spare the Democrats either, poking fun at their disorganization during a joint session, likening it to Patrick Mahomes at the Super Bowl.
The evening’s entertainment also included skits and musical performances that satirized prominent political figures. From a song-and-dance number featuring a man dressed as Elon Musk embracing the far-right to portrayals of high-profile Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and John Fetterman, the performances offered a humorous snapshot of the current political landscape.
Amidst the laughter and satire, there were also nods to serious issues and diplomatic relations. Terry McAuliffe’s mention of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, a think tank targeted by the Trump administration, highlighted the intersection of politics and policy. Margaret Brennan of CBS jokingly called out members of the diplomatic corps from countries like Britain, France, Australia, and the European Union as “America’s enemies,” before introducing the Ukrainian ambassador to a round of applause from the journalists in attendance.
The Gridiron Club dinner, with its blend of humor, political commentary, and camaraderie, serves as a reflection of the current dynamics in Washington. It offers a unique opportunity for the political elite and media personalities to come together, share a few laughs, and shed light on the pressing issues of the day in a lighthearted manner.
