Obama dines with Hollywood moguls

by Jordan Fabian - 06/19/15 12:00 PM ET

President Obama dined with two friends and political donors, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg, on Thursday night following a pair of Los Angeles fundraisers, according to Deadline Hollywood.

The two Hollywood moguls, who founded the DreamWorks Animation studio, were seen leaving the Beverly Hills Hotel, where Obama was staying, the trade publication reported.

The dinner reportedly occurred soon after Obama left a Democratic National Committee fundraiser at the home of actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry. It was not disclosed to the press traveling with the president during his four-day West Coast trip.

The dinner comes less than a week after Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hosted an undisclosed party for around 500 guests featuring musical performances from Prince and Stevie Wonder.

The White House defended its decision not to put the party on the president’s public schedule, calling it a “private” event the Obamas paid for themselves.

Obama also dined privately with Katzenberg following an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in August 2013, Deadline noted.

Katzenberg and Spielberg are two of Obama’s biggest financial supporters. During the 2012 election, Katzenberg gave $2 million to the pro-Obama super-PAC Priorities USA Action, and Spielberg kicked in $1 million.

The White House on Friday confirmed Obama dined with the duo, but declined to provide further details.

Spokesman Eric Schultz defended the decision not to put the meet-up on the president’s public schedule or inform the press pool, telling reporters aboard Air Force One it was “a private dinner with friends” that was “unrelated to his official obligations as president.”

Schultz said the White House believes its obligation is to inform the press about the president’s movements and official events. Obama dined with Katzenberg and Spielberg at the hotel where he was staying.

This story was updated at 3:34 p.m.

Tags Michelle Obama