The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a longstanding tradition that shines a spotlight on the vital role of journalism and the reporters who cover the White House. It’s a night where politicians, lawmakers, and media professionals come together to celebrate and, occasionally, roast one another. This year’s event, however, was unlike any other, mainly because of the absence of President Trump, who made history by being the first sitting president since Ronald Reagan not to attend—Reagan missed it due to recovering from an assassination attempt.
With the atmosphere feeling particularly tense, primarily due to the ongoing political climate, the dinner still managed to deliver some of the sharpest comedic moments, thanks to this year’s host, comedian Amir Patel, a prominent figure on The Late Show. He took the stage with the kind of humor that had everyone laughing, even in Trump’s absence.
Normally, the president would be in attendance, exchanging playful banter and delivering witty remarks of his own. This year, however, he chose to forgo the event, perhaps because he “can’t take a joke.” His absence was notable, but Patel wasn’t deterred; he seized the moment to humorously critique those who were missing, showcasing the enduring strength of the First Amendment.
Highlights from Patel’s Set
- “You all are Trump’s biggest adversaries: journalists, followed by climate change denial, and then a tie between normal-length ties and common sense.”
- “It would be an honor to be here tonight, but let’s be real—it’s an alternative fact; nobody wanted to do this, so naturally, it fell to an immigrant.”
- “Let’s address the elephant that’s not in the room: the leader of our nation is missing. Perhaps he’s busy in Moscow?”
- “Who tweets at 3 a.m. sober? Only Trump, because it’s 10 a.m. in Russia—those are prime business hours.”
- “Betsy DeVos is absent tonight; she’s busy curating her collection of children’s tears.”
Patel concluded his set with a powerful statement: “The President didn’t show because he doesn’t value free speech. The man who tweets every thought that crosses his mind refuses to acknowledge the amendment that allows him to do so. I’m proud we are all here tonight to defend that right—even if the man in the White House wouldn’t.”
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In summary, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner managed to maintain its reputation for sharp humor despite the absence of the President, emphasizing the significance of free speech and the role of the press in holding power accountable.