Close watch on how Trump and journalists get along at correspondents' gala

Donald Trump is expected to make his first appearance as president at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington.

The annual event is designed to celebrate press freedoms.

But Saturday night's version could be awkward, given the Trump administration's often contentious relationship with the news media.

Outsiders will be watching to see what Trump will say and how many officials from his administration will be on hand.

Nearly 500 retired journalists have signed a petition urging reporters at the event to “forcefully demonstrate opposition” to anti-press efforts.

The correspondents' association says the dinner “reinforces the importance of the First Amendment in our democracy.”