Gridiron Club journalism dinner omits toast to sitting president for first time in 140 years

The Gridiron Club journalism dinner omitted its traditional toast to the sitting U.S. president for the first time in 140 years, according to a report.

“At most of the Gridiron Club’s Spring Dinners, the President of the United States has spoken. In some years, the Vice President has filled in, and on occasion a high-level Administration figure,” said Gridiron President Judy Woodruff, who works for PBS, according to Politico.

“I invited the President, the Vice President, the National Security Adviser, and the Interior Secretary — all declined. I was told the Secretary of State would not be available. To close the evening — when the sitting President usually speaks — we showed video and audio excerpts of the past four Republican presidents, starting with President Trump in 2018. These demonstrated the good humor and fellowship this dinner is all about,” he added.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, a cabinet secretary, was reportedly in attendance at the dinner but the toast to President Trump was still omitted. 

Trump delivered remarks at the dinner in 2018. Then-Vice President Mike Pence attended in 2017.  Ivanka Trump went as senior White House adviser in 2019 and then-national security adviser Robert O’Brien was slated to attend in 2020 but the event was canceled due to the pandemic.

This year's dinner was attended by lawmakers and political figures from both sides of the aisle as it has been in past years.