Gridiron Dinner Features Jokes Targeting Trump, Musk, and Russia

The annual Gridiron Club dinner, a traditional gathering in Washington D.C., took place last Saturday, featuring a night of humor directed at high-profile figures, politics, and pressing global issues. The celebrated event, which has been a staple of political life since its inception in 1885, drew laughter and applause from notable journalists, editors, and media personalities in attendance, despite being devoid of the customary presidential presence.

One of the night’s prominent speakers, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, has emerged as an influential figure in the Democratic Party. He seized the opportunity to address his ambitions while lightheartedly poking fun at the current leadership in the White House. “If I actually wanted to be president, I wouldn’t do any of this,” he remarked. “Instead, I would take my case directly to the people who are in charge of our democracy. The Kremlin.” This quip reflected the continued interest in the tangled web of Trump, Russia, and American politics, resonating with the crowd packed into the Hyatt’s basement—a mix of media, diplomats, and politicians.

Interestingly, former President Donald Trump opted out of the event, continuing a trend he began during his presidency. Trump famously skipped the dinner in 2017 but attended the following year, where he made light of the chaos within his administration. However, that 2018 attendance marked his only appearance at the Gridiron dinner. Current President Joseph R. Biden Jr. attended last year, joking about the forthcoming presidential race, though the implications of his jokes about age and fitness to serve have since become more poignant as time has passed.

With no presidential attendees this year, the platform was left open for various political figures and media personalities to fill the comedic void. Representative Lisa McClain of Michigan, the evening’s Republican headliner, also added her touch to the humor with a quip about Robert Kennedy Jr., playfully referencing that he couldn’t attend because “he’s got the measles.” The lack of a presidential figure did not dampen the spirits of the attendees, who engaged enthusiastically with the performances that characterized the night.

Prominent journalist Judy Woodruff was among those who opened the floor to laughter, blending jovial jabs at high-profile figures including billionaire Elon Musk and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was humorously accused of having a drinking problem. Woodruff didn’t shy away from targeting the Democrats either, stating that they appeared “more lost and disorganized than Patrick Mahomes at the Super Bowl,” a reference to the Kansas City quarterback that surely resonated with sports enthusiasts in the room.

The event also featured unique skits that blended satire with catchy performances. One noteworthy number showcased an impersonator of Musk, decked in a tech-support T-shirt, wielding a chainsaw while singing about his alleged political shift towards extremism. The chorus proclaimed, “I’ll turn the G.O.P. into the A.F.D.,” reflecting Musk’s controversial involvement in political discussions. In another act, two individuals depicted Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer wandering through leaves, with the humorous refrain proclaiming, “Lost in the woods,” and quipping about pronouns amidst their predicament.

The night was not only about laughter; it also served as a commentary on the current political landscape. One skit featured President Biden dressed as an Amtrak employee, a portrayal met with a slightly better reception than the previous skit involving the lost Democratic leaders. Another representation included a mock altercation between Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator John Fetterman, where accusations flew regarding their political identities, encapsulating the current ideological divides within the party.

Even as humorous references were made regarding political insiders—such as former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe who mentioned the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars to a somewhat puzzled audience—the night remained lively. CBS journalist Margaret Brennan lightened the atmosphere by joking about the diplomatic representatives present, referring to them as “all of America’s enemies.” This quip was met with laughter, although when she introduced the Ukrainian ambassador, the room rose in applause, highlighting the complex times in which we are currently immersed.

Ultimately, the Gridiron Club dinner showcased the meeting of politics and comedy—a blend that, while playful on the surface, reveals a deeper examination of the tumultuous political climate facing the nation. As each joke landed, attendees were reminded that laughter can be a unifying force, even amidst the most contentious political discussions. In a time of serious division, the ability to poke fun at ourselves and our leaders signifies an enduring tradition that remains vital to American political culture.