Inside the 2026 Status WHCD Event
On Thursday evening in Washington, David Ellison hosted Donald Trump and a select handful of CBS News journalists at the U.S. Institute of Peace for an event “honoring” the Trump White House. The gathering, which featured cocktails and dinner, was ostensibly about celebrating the First Amendment. But celebrating free speech alongside a president and administration actively working to undermine strains credulity, to put it mildly.
Across town, at the same time, we at Status held a very different kind of event. Instead of toasting Trump and his anti–free speech goons, we made it clear they were not welcome. Signs posted at the entrance featured photos of administration figures, stating they would not be granted entry.
Our gathering brought together journalists and other power players who actually value the First Amendment and a free, unrestrained press. At a moment when those freedoms face mounting pressure, we gathered to celebrate them. Guests mingled over cocktails, with hors d’oeuvres circulating throughout the room.
The energy was fantastic: a packed, lively crowd united by a shared belief in the importance of protecting journalism. As a small but symbolic gesture, we handed out limited-edition Status T-shirts emblazoned with the First Amendment on the back. The shirt is available through the end of the month, with 50% of proceeds benefiting the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press legal defense fund.
Some will argue the weekend should be boycotted altogether. We considered that. But the work journalists do of holdinging power to account and exposing abuses is worth recognizing. Just not alongside the very people working to destroy it.
Below, we’re proud to share a glimpse of the evening.
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
The Status WHCD Kickoff Party. (Photo by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for Status)
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