The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a cherished annual gathering that honors journalists and their crucial role in covering the White House. It’s a night when politicians, lawmakers, and reporters from across the spectrum come together to appreciate the media’s contributions—if only for one evening. However, this year’s event had a distinct twist, as it unfolded in the midst of a particularly chaotic political climate.
Renowned for its comedic flair, the dinner has previously featured hosts like Stephen Colbert and Conan O’Brien, where laughter often gives way to gasps. This year’s host, a senior correspondent for The Daily Show named Sam Johnson, did not disappoint in delivering sharp, witty commentary. Traditionally, the sitting President attends, often throwing back a few good-natured jabs and even delivering their own roast. But this year, that was not to be, as Trump decided to skip the event—likely because he can’t handle the heat.
Trump became the first President since Reagan to miss this gala. Reagan’s absence was due to his recovery from an assassination attempt, while Trump’s reasons remain less clear. Nonetheless, Johnson didn’t let the absence of Trump or most of his administration dampen the evening’s spirit. Instead, he unleashed a torrent of well-timed jokes that served as a powerful reminder of the importance of free speech.
Highlights from Sam Johnson’s Set
- “You guys are Trump’s public enemy number one. It’s journalists, then ISIS, then long 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 does that? Donald Trump, because it’s 10 a.m. in Russia—business hours!”
- “Betsy DeVos couldn’t make it; she’s busy curating her collection of children’s tears.”
- “Sean Spicer’s been in PR since 1999. After 18 years, his go-to move for tough questions is denying the holocaust. That’s insane! How many people can turn a press briefing into a Mel Gibson traffic stop?”
- “Mike Pence wanted to be here, but his wife wouldn’t let him because one of you ladies is ovulating, sooo…good job, ladies.”
- “This administration loves deleting history faster than a certain politician when he hears footsteps.”
- “Jeff Sessions couldn’t make it tonight; he was busy doing a pre-Civil War reenactment. His RSVP just said: ‘No!’ Just, ‘Nooooo!’ Which happens to be his second favorite n-word.”
Johnson concluded with a poignant reminder: “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 we’re all 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 went on without Trump, featuring a host who delivered a memorable roast that emphasized the importance of journalism and free speech even in the absence of the President.