As the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend unfolds, the talk of the town isn't just the glitz and glamour but the unexpected new players on Capitol Hill – the TMZ DC bureau. Jacob Wasserman, Charlie Cotton, and Jakson Buhaj have swiftly become the latest sensation in Washington, D.C., shaking up the traditional media landscape with their unconventional approach to news coverage.

Since their arrival, the trio has engaged with key political figures in ways that others might shy away from. Their questions range from the profound, such as asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about his feelings when making military decisions, to the more light-hearted and quirky inquiries about lawmakers' knowledge of social apps like Grindr.

In an exclusive interview with POLITICO, the team shared insights into their backgrounds and their somewhat serendipitous entry into the world of political reporting. Cotton, originally a tour guide from Canberra, Australia, and Buhaj, a former ice cream shop employee, alongside Wasserman, a journalism graduate from Tulane, are now pioneering TMZ's expansion into political coverage with a flair uniquely their own.

Their mission? To demystify the often opaque world of politics and make it accessible and interesting to the average American. They are not just seeking the next big scandal but are keen on stories that resonate on a human level, whether it's a new bill being passed or something as mundane as who clogged the toilet at a House office building.

Despite not having official credentials yet, their impact is undeniable. They’ve managed to engage with political figures directly, receiving a warm welcome from many, including an enthusiastic shout-out from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. However, not everyone is as eager; as Cotton reveals, some, like Lindsey Graham, have been more reserved.

The team firmly denies any rumors of paying for stories or tips, emphasizing their commitment to ethical journalism. They compare their work in D.C. to their coverage of celebrities in LA, arguing that public servants deserve the same level of scrutiny, if not more, given their role in public life.

As for the social side of D.C., they’ve already marked their presence at high-profile events like the Grindr and Substack parties. But it's not all just fun and games; even their social engagements are opportunities to connect and gather stories.

Their coverage style might be unconventional, but Wasserman, Cotton, and Buhaj are here to stay, ready to infuse Capitol Hill reporting with transparency, humor, and a touch of TMZ’s signature flair. Whether they’re discussing Peruvian chicken or the athletic prowess of congressmen, TMZ DC is redefining political journalism one story at a time.