Never let it be said that Donald Trump ignored an opportunity to promote his personal agenda, even when following an evening that ended with an attempted assassination. That is who he is.
While discussion of security concerns and the wisdom of having the president, vice president and other high-ranking administration officials all gathered in one setting deserves serious consideration for future gatherings (which I think is a good idea), promoting Trump’s fancy ballroom shouldn’t be part of the conversation.
The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner isn’t a government event. It is a private organization’s annual occasion to focus on press freedom, award scholarships and recognize excellence in journalism. Trump was an invited guest, one who had previously thumbed his nose at invitations.
Trump’s hostility toward journalists is well known. In his first campaign for the presidency he mocked a physically challenged reporter. He has called mainstream news reports “fake news.” He has called journalists the “enemy” of the people. He has frequently shown disrespect for female reporters, often women of color.
But now Trump is suggesting the press association hold its dinner in his planned glitzy ballroom, the one allegedly being funded by wealthy donors who are guaranteed anonymity. No quid pro quo here … nah!
The correspondents’ association would be wise to ignore Trump’s self-serving proposal.
Glenn R. Plummer
Unity