The White House Correspondents Dinner may not have a POTUS, but it’s now got a host: “The Daily Show” correspondent Hasan Minhaj will emcee the event.
“I am thrilled that Hasan will serve as our featured entertainer at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” said Jeff Mason, White Host Correspondents Association president and Reuters reporter. “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.”
“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,” added Minhaj in the Tuesday morning media release.
President Trump previously announced that he won’t be joining members of what he calls the “crooked media” at their annual meal. That makes him the first sitting president in more than 30 years to take a pass on the so-called “Nerd Prom.”
Comedian Minhaj has used his role as Trevor Noah’s “Muslim Correspondent” to take Trump to task early and often — especially over the leader of the free world’s immigration policy. Expect much more of that at the April 29 black-tie affair.
Watch Mason speak about the booking on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” via the video above.