Republican and Democratic lawmakers steered clear of mentioning President Donald Trump — with just a few exceptions — at the annual Washington Press Club Foundation's Congressional Dinner, The Hill is reporting.
"On behalf of the Republicans in the room: We love the press!" said Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., one of the two featured speakers at the 73rd annual event.
He added it was "awesome" to have MSNBC host Greta Van Susteren as the evening's emcee.
But he joked, "Greta, now that you're with MSNBC, maybe you can clear something up for me. Anytime anyone in the media reports fake news, does Brian Williams get a royalty?"
The comment was in reference to the former "NBC Nightly News" anchor who in 2015 was found to have embellished stories about his reporting, The Hill noted.
The Charlotte Observer reported he compared Washington and Hollywood.
"People say Washington is the Hollywood for nerds….," he said. "Actually they're very different. One is the place that produces fantasy and fiction with jealousy over who gets the best roles, enormous egos, and a lot of backstabbing. And the other is where they make movies."
The Hill noted he finally got around to referring to Trump when he quipped: "I hate to speak and run, but I finally got an invite to the White House. Tonight is movie night, and I hear we're watching the president's favorite: 'From Russia With Love.'"
Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., told the crowd the role of the press is "essential. And it is the only way that a democracy can survive. But it's also the only way that a dictator can't survive."
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