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A Who’s Who of Washington Packs Puck’s Third Annual First Amendment Party at the French Ambassador’s Residence

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Washington, D.C. — Puck threw its third annual First Amendment Party the evening of March 26, transforming the French ambassador’s residence into a glittering hub for Washington’s media, political, and diplomatic elite. The evening honored Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, who was presented with the First Amendment Award for his nearly five-decades long career in journalism by Puck co-founder Jon Kelly. 

Kelly opened the evening by underscoring the importance of press freedom. Ignatius followed with a sober reminder of what’s at stake, telling the crowd, “We understand now, better than ever, that democracy could indeed die in darkness.” After reflecting on his time at the Post and the challenges facing journalism today, he offered a more reassuring note to close out his remarks by adding, “I’ve been assured by [Washington Post] management that I can write what I want without interference. If that ever changes, I’ll let readers know.”

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 26: Puck co-founder and editor-in-chief Jon Kelly speaks during Puck & The French Embassy’s First Amendment Gala 2025 at Residence of the French Ambassador on March 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Puck)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 26: (L-R) Jon Kelly, David Ignatius, and Amb. Laurent Bili attend Puck & The French Embassy’s First Amendment Gala 2025 at Residence of the French Ambassador on March 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Puck)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 26: Guest of Honor David Ignatius speaks during Puck & The French Embassy’s First Amendment Gala 2025 at Residence of the French Ambassador on March 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Puck)

Puck’s political team was out in full force, including John Heilemann, Julia Ioffe, Abby Livingston, Peter Hamby, and newly minted chief Washington correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell—a veteran of NBC, CNN, CBS, and C-SPAN, and one of the capital’s most deeply sourced reporters. Puck CEO Sarah Personette and COO and fellow Co-Founder Liz Gough were also in attendance.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 26: (L-R) Puck’s Sarah Personette, Jon Kelly, Liz Gough, and Leigh Ann Caldwell attend Puck & The French Embassy’s First Amendment Gala 2025 at Residence of the French Ambassador on March 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Puck)

Launched in 2022, the First Amendment Party was conceived as a toast to press freedom and a space for candid conversation across media, politics, and tech. This year’s fête stayed true to that spirit, drawing a crowd of journalists, Hill staffers, diplomats, and D.C. power players—all under one gilded roof. With champagne flowing and chandeliers glowing, the party blended European charm with Beltway muscle, cementing Puck’s growing clout and their commitment in the capital.

Notable guests included: British Ambassador Peter Mandelson, Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne-Nason, Sen. Chris Coons, Reps. Jason Crow and Jimmy Panetta , Norah O’Donnell, Jake Tapper, John Harris, David Chalian, Robert Costa, Alex Marquardt, Phil Rucker, Sumi Somaskanda, Josh Dawsey, Jake Denton, Alex Flemister, Elizabeth Falcone, Reema Dodin, Kasie Hunt, Peter Baker and Susan Glasser, Dasha Burns, Kara Voght, Mitchell Rivard, Govind Shivkumar, Dmitri Alperovitch, Jessica Dean, Alex Katz, Michael Falcone, and Jim Acosta.