In a departure from tradition, President Trump and his administration were absent from the annual Gridiron Club dinner, which usually sees participation from top politicians. This year's gathering highlighted Trump's ongoing estrangement from the Washington establishment, as he declined invitations alongside key staff. Only Scott Turner from the administration attended, while many others who planned to go withdrew following the news of Trump's decision. The atmosphere was tense, evident through participants' expressions of regret, with even the Army Secretary leaving early after an uncomfortable joke was made.
This year it seemed curdled. I invited the president, the vice president, the national security adviser and the interior secretary. All declined.
Mr. Trump's absence and that of any members of his inner circle was yet the latest reminder... he has no intentions of wooing the Washington establishment or playing any of its games.
Only one showed up: Scott Turner, the secretary of housing and urban development. Margaret Brennan joked that Mr. Turner was whatever the opposite of designated survivor is.
Those who did show up seemed to regret it. Daniel Driscoll, the Army secretary, walked out during a joke about Vice President JD Vance.
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