Nerd Prom Looks To Past Presidents For Validation Of Their Civic Value

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, affectionately dubbed “Nerd Prom,” took place last night, April 26, 2025, at the Washington Hilton, hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) under the leadership of president Eugene Daniels. The event, a longstanding tradition since 1921, drew journalists, political figures, and a notably smaller contingent of celebrities amid a tense backdrop of press-administration relations, with President Donald Trump and his staff boycotting the dinner, as they did during his first term. Unlike previous years, the 2025 dinner omitted a comedian’s performance—following the controversial cancellation of Amber Ruffin’s appearance—focusing instead on celebrating journalism, awarding scholarships, and honoring the First Amendment. The evening was described as subdued, reflecting the press corps’ struggles with restricted White House access and public distrust, yet it retained its signature blend of formal attire and Beltway networking, live-streamed by outlets like MSNBC.

A focal point of the evening was a video montage showcasing past U.S. presidents addressing the dinner, from Ronald Reagan to Joe Biden, delivering self-deprecating humor and praise for the Washington press corps’ role in safeguarding democracy. Introduced by WHCA president Eugene Daniels, the montage highlighted moments like Reagan’s quips about press scrutiny, Obama’s witty roasts, and Biden’s 2022 remarks on press resilience, emphasizing the media’s democratic function. However, to some attendees and critics, as reflected in posts on X, these tributes felt hollow against accusations of media missteps, such as polarized coverage of the 2020 election or COVID-19 origins, though claims of systemic coverups remain unproven. The montage, intended to underscore journalistic valor, sparked mixed reactions, with one X user calling it the “only entertaining part” of an otherwise “painful” event, underscoring the polarized sentiment surrounding the press’s credibility.

Eugene Daniels, as WHCA president and MSNBC correspondent, commanded attention not only for his opening remarks but also for his sartorial elegance on the red carpet, accompanied by his husband, Nate Stephens. Daniels wore a striking white tuxedo, complemented by a tailored black shirt and classic bow tie, exuding sophistication that stood out in a “dialed-down” red carpet described by The Washington Post. In contrast, Stephens opted for a sleek all-black tuxedo, creating a harmonious yet bold duo. Their coordinated looks, blending timeless monochrome with modern flair, earned praise as a highlight of the evening’s fashion, which was otherwise noted for its restraint amid the event’s somber tone. Daniels’ attire, echoing his standout 2024 ensemble of a feathered white blazer, reinforced his reputation for style, aligning with his mother’s adage, as cited in a 2024 Post article: “You belong in every single room you find yourself in.”