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Noted enemy-of-the-press Donald Trump is attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this year. Everybody say “Dear God, no.” Trump has not attended the event since becoming president for the first time in 2016. “In honor of our Nation’s 250th Birthday, and the fact that these ‘Correspondents’ now admit that I am truly one of the Greatest Presidents in the History of our Country, the G.O.A.T., according to many, it will be my Honor to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER!” Trump explained on Truth Social on March 2.
The journalists disagreed. “The dinner has long served as a symbol of the vital and irreplaceable role of a free press in American democracy and a celebration of the First Amendment and the journalists who uphold it,” a group of journalists wrote in a letter to the White House Correspondents’ Association on April 20, per Deadline. “President Trump’s systematic, sustained and unprecedented attacks on the free press … render his presence at such an event a profound contradiction of its purpose.” While stopping Trump from attending is likely a losing battle, at least there’s Jimmy Kimmel’s version of a Trump-less WHCD to watch in the meantime.
For those who can stomach Trump’s return, here’s a guide to watching the WHCD.
Mentalist Oz Pearlman is hosting the dinner. Typically, the dinner is hosted by comedians, but apparently Miss Eggy wasn’t available. “We look forward to an exciting, fresh, and interactive evening as we celebrate the First Amendment and Washington news coverage together,” Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, said in a statement.
Yep. The president is offered a 15-minute speaking slot at the WHCD. Typically, these are used for tasteful roasting (see here). Trump’s version of roasting will probably not be so tasteful, but it might be even more insane than anyone could have imagined, so maybe that’s worth tuning in for.
The WHCD begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 25.
C-SPAN’s coverage begins at 6 p.m. with the red carpet. Then it airs the dinner when it begins as well. Or, if you just want the juicy parts, C-SPAN typically uploads specific speeches to YouTube the next morning. Enjoy?
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