The annual gala dinner of the Association and Club of Foreign Press Correspondents USA in Washington DC aimed to celebrate press freedom and journalistic integrity. However, controversy arose as the event was co-sponsored by Al Jazeera, the state broadcaster of Qatar, a country criticized for its lack of media freedom. Al Jazeera not only sponsored the event but also received the association's Press Freedom Grant, raising questions about conflicts of interest and the influence of sponsorship on such events. The gala further drew criticism for posthumously honoring an individual linked to extremist activities who had worked for the network, casting doubt on the event's commitment to genuine press freedom.