Sourced fact
The News
And according to France 24, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech at the recently held annual Press Freedom Awards ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. This will come after a short-term failed assassination attempt in April last month. The event will take place under heightened security measures.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Politically, this gala – which dates back to the time of President Lyndon B. Johnson – is a significant event for White House relations with the press. However, President Trump’s past actions, often decisive and informal, suggest that this occasion may not follow the same traditional procedures. The rescheduling of the gala following the tragic assassination attempt also demonstrates the level of risk perceived by the White House and underscores the importance of maintaining communication with media outlets.
In a broader context, this event can be considered part of an ongoing series of tensions between the US Presidency and some media outlets. These tensions have been escalating for a long time, largely due to President Trump’s repeated criticisms of media outlets and their portrayal as “anti-country.” President Trump's decision to participate in the gala – after previously announcing that he would not attend – represents a new sign of an attempt to rebuild trust with journalists, or at least to appear committed to tradition.
