Sam Donaldson is back in the news as a familiar voice in U.S. news circles; longtime ABC White House correspondent (1977–89, 1998–99), veteran anchor. Trendy? Maybe. He’s a barometer of an era when the press clashed with presidents.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner will feature Donald Trump in a primetime appearance amid ongoing debates about press freedom. Supporters urge a forceful defense of the First Amendment, while critics warn the event risks blurring lines between journalism and political theater. The dinner also honors outlets including The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press, as the press fights for access and accountability.