At the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Axios reporter Alex Thompson openly criticized the media for insufficiently covering former President Joe Biden’s cognitive decline during his presidency. Accepting the Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage, Thompson acknowledged that journalists, including himself, failed to adequately report on signs of Biden’s deteriorating health.
Thompson highlighted that the media’s oversight contributed to a decline in public trust, emphasizing the need for self-reflection within the journalism community. He pointed out that the administration’s efforts to manage and obscure the president’s condition, such as limiting his public appearances and scripting his engagements, were not adequately scrutinized by the press.
The dinner, traditionally a blend of satire and celebration, took on a more serious tone this year, focusing on press freedom and journalistic integrity. The absence of President Donald Trump and the cancellation of the scheduled comedian underscored the event’s shift toward addressing the challenges faced by the media in the current political climate.
Thompson’s remarks serve as a call to action for journalists to uphold their responsibility in holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency, regardless of political affiliations.