The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has confirmed that Muslim comedian Hasan Minhaj will be hosting its flagship event.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has confirmed that Muslim comedian Hasan Minhaj will be hosting its flagship event.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has confirmed that Muslim comedian, Hasan Minhaj, of the hit Comedy Central news satire programme The Daily Show, will be hosting its flagship event.
The Dinner is an annual tradition that is typically attended by the Vice President and the President, and is known to be an event where politicians and journalists alike are roasted in comedic fashion – through jokes, videos and even skits. It is attended by reporters, celebrities and administration officials.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y0oMoOrqzs
Though hundreds of Washington journalists will be there, this year Trump has refused to attend, and administration officials have been instruction to also not attend, in “solidarity” with the running President. Trump’s boycott of the event is due to his (selective) anti-media stance.
I will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner this year. Please wish everyone well and have a great evening!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 25, 2017
Minhaj woud be the first Muslim to host the dinner. In a statement on Tuesday, he said, “It is a tremendous honor to be a part of such a historic event even though the president has chosen not to attend this year. SAD! Now more than ever, it is vital that we honor the First Amendment and the freedom of the press.”
“I am thrilled that Hasan will serve as our featured entertainer at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” said Jeff Mason, WHCA president and White House correspondent for Reuters. “Hasan’s smarts, big heart and passion for press freedom make him the perfect fit for our event, which will be focused on the First Amendment and the importance of a robust and independent media.”
Mason continued, “The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which U.S. presidents have attended for decades, supports the work of the WHCA. Proceeds fund the organization and go toward scholarships and awards aimed at promoting aspiring journalists and recognizing excellence in the journalism profession.”
Unfortunately, Trump not attending means that there will be no public roasting of the President on live TV, as has been tradition the past few years. The dinner is scheduled for April 29th.
Before you go, here is Hasan announcing the greatest Trump tweet of all time alongside Roy Wood Jr:
.@roywoodjr and @hasanminhaj announce the greatest Trump tweet of all time. pic.twitter.com/hgbvGmxIUJ
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) April 6, 2017
