Biden Calls on Media to Prioritize Truth Amid Disinformation as Gershkovich’s Detention Highlighted at White House Correspondents Dinner

President Biden delivered a message to members of the press during the White House Correspondents Dinner and urged them to take their responsibilities seriously in light of the current political climate. While he did not ask for reporters’ allegiance, Biden called on journalists to focus on what truly matters instead of getting caught up in trivialities or sensationalizing politics. He emphasized that credible information has never been more important given the rise of disinformation. The President also touched upon other pressing issues such as ageism and foreign detainees like Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter currently imprisoned by Vladimir Putin’s regime in Russia since March 2023. Comic Colin Jost hosted the event and shared several light-hearted yet political remarks directed towards President Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump alongside other prominent Republicans figures throughout his performance. In response to a previous reference made at Biden regarding ageism, an ironical contrast between the president’s words in regards to young vs older people emerged since Donald Trump who once mocked former rival Carly Fiorina’s aging during campaign debates is now being ridiculed for similar reasons by President Biden. As the dinner drew to a close, pro-Palestinian protestors gathered outside and voiced their disapproval through loud chants.