The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a highly anticipated annual gathering that celebrates journalism and the reporters who cover the White House. Traditionally, it’s a night where politicians, lawmakers, and journalists from various backgrounds come together to honor the work being done in the field. However, this year’s dinner took on a different tone, reflecting the current chaotic political climate. Known for its comedic flair, past hosts like Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien have delivered some of the best quips, but this year’s master of ceremonies, Hasan Minhaj from The Daily Show, did not hold back.
Typically, the President would be present, taking the jabs in stride and delivering his own humorous remarks to the crowd’s amusement. However, Donald Trump chose to skip the event, marking the first time a sitting president has missed this occasion since Ronald Reagan, who was recovering from an assassination attempt at the time.
Despite Trump’s absence—and that of many members of his administration—Minhaj launched into a relentless series of sharp jokes that underscored the significance of the First Amendment. He remarked, “You guys are Trump’s public enemy number one. It’s journalists, then ISIS, then normal length ties.” In another quip, he noted, “I would say it is an honor to be here, but that would be an alternative fact—it is not. No one wanted to do this, so of course it lands in the hands of an immigrant.”
Minhaj also addressed the notable absence directly: “We have to address the elephant that’s not in the room. The leader of the country is not here. And that’s because he lives in Moscow.” His humor did not stop there; he continued with jabs at various administration members, including Betsy DeVos and Sean Spicer, saying, “Betsy DeVos couldn’t be here—she’s busy curating her collection of children’s tears.”
In a poignant conclusion, Minhaj emphasized the importance of free speech, stating, “The President didn’t show up because Donald Trump doesn’t care about free speech. The man who tweets everything that enters his head refuses to acknowledge the amendment that allows him to do it (…) I’m proud that all of us are here tonight to defend that right, even if the man in the White House never would.”
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In summary, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this year became a platform for humor and a celebration of journalism, despite the absence of the President. Hasan Minhaj’s sharp wit and relevant commentary served as a reminder of the essential role that free speech plays in a democratic society.