Every year, the White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch hosts pull off the impossible: a room where Fortune 500 CEOs, A-list politicians, top journalists, and a Hollywood star or two actually talk to each other — and mean it.

The 32nd Annual White House Correspondents’ Weekend Garden Brunch didn’t disappoint. The Hollywood Reporter recently called it “legendary,” and this year reminded everyone why. Investor and co-owner of the Commanders Mark Ein again generously offered Georgetown’s historic Beall-Washington House, once the home of Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, as the elegant setting – and it was packed, the energy electric, with a guest list that read like the very best dinner party on steroids.

But as always, the power of the day’s event was its soul.

The spotlight was on the first responders from the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision near Reagan National Airport — the men and women who ran toward the chaos while the rest of us watched in horror. White Lotus star Jason Isaacs and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) presented the honors, including one to rookie D.C. firefighter and Marine vet Sean Wathen, who was barely out of training when the call came in. The room felt it.

The rest of the brunch had that signature Tammy Haddad magic. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) worked the coffee line. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) spoke about the importance of the free press. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey posed for lots of pictures. Kevin O’Leary showed off his very cool watches. Kaitlan Collins from CNN was front and center. Chef Bobby Flay revealed his news junkie side, and Jonathan Karl from ABC brought his adorable daughter. CNN’s David Urban with actors Michael Chiklis and Dean Norris delighted the room explaining how often they are all constantly mistaken for one another. And the Washington Commanders’ mascot, Major Tuddy, was the most popular subject of many selfies.

That’s the thing about the Garden Brunch. In a city that runs on talking points and transactional relationships, this is a genuine gathering. At its core is an unbroken commitment — thirty-two years strong — to honoring the people who serve. First responders. Firefighters. Veterans. The ones who don’t make the guest list anywhere else, but who belong at every table. 

Thirty-two years in, Tammy Haddad’s brunch remains one of Washington’s most unlikely and essential traditions. Not because of the power in the room. Because of the values it refuses to forget.