Trump expected to make his first appearance as president at White House Correspondents' Association dinner

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump is expected to attend the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner for the first time as president, highlighting the often-contentious relationship between his administration and the press.
• Trump skipped the dinner during his first term and the early part of his second but attended as a private citizen in 2011 and 2015; this year's event will feature mentalist Oz Pearlman instead of traditional comedians.
• The dinner reignites debate over whether journalists should socialize with those they cover, with some news organizations like The New York Times having stopped attending due to ethical concerns.
• Nearly 500 retired journalists petitioned the WHCA to oppose Trump's perceived attacks on press freedom, while the WHCA president emphasized the dinner's role in underscoring the First Amendment's importance.
• Journalists often invite government sources as guests to foster professional relationships, and this year the Associated Press invited former White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, despite past legal disputes with the administration over press access.