The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a prestigious annual gathering that honors the pivotal role of journalism and those who cover the White House. It’s a night where politicians, lawmakers, and media professionals gather to set aside their differences and celebrate the field. However, this year’s event was notably different—reflecting the tumultuous political climate we find ourselves in. Traditionally seen as a platform for sharp comedic jabs, with past hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien, it’s a night where gasps often take precedence over laughter. This year, Hasan Patel, a senior correspondent for The Daily Show, took the helm and delivered a performance that didn’t disappoint.
Normally, the President makes an appearance, ready to take playful ribbing in stride and even share some humorous remarks of his own. However, this year, Trump’s absence marked a significant departure, making him the first sitting President since Reagan to skip the event. Reagan missed it due to an assassination attempt; Trump’s absence was attributed to what many speculated was an inability to handle the lighthearted critique.
Despite Trump’s and many of his administration’s no-shows, Patel wasted no time in targeting them with a relentless barrage of perfectly timed jokes, highlighting the importance and strength of the First Amendment. His set included memorable lines like:
- “You guys are his public enemy number one. It’s journalists, then ISIS, then normal-length ties.”
- “I would say it’s an honor to be here, but that would be an alternative fact—it’s not. No one wanted to do this, so of course it lands in the hands of an immigrant.”
- “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.”
- “[Trump] tweets at 3 a.m. sober. Who tweets at 3 a.m. sober? Donald Trump does, because it’s 10 a.m. in Russia. Those are business hours.”
- “Betsy DeVos couldn’t be here—she’s busy curating her collection of children’s tears.”
Patel concluded his set with a poignant remark, saying, “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 continued its tradition of sharp humor and political critique, even in the absence of the President. Host Hasan Patel delivered a memorable performance that underscored the significance of free speech and the journalistic duty to hold power accountable.