Former President Donald Trump criticized the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after President Biden and comedian Colin Jost mocked him during the event. Trump lamented that Jost’s performance was terrible and called Biden a disaster in a post on Truth Social. Trump notably did not attend any White House Correspondents’ Dinners during his presidency, breaking from tradition.
Speculation has arisen that Trump was scarred by the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Dinner when then-President Barack Obama made fun of him. During this year’s event, Biden took the opportunity to take jabs at Trump, calling him a “6-year-old” and highlighting how his own vice president supports him, unlike Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence. Jost also poked fun at Trump’s legal issues and his tendency to fall asleep in court, joking about Fox News calling him “anti-woke.”
Jost included some jokes about the New York Post in his routine at the dinner, emphasizing the paper’s sensationalism and use of large font sizes for headlines. Despite the comedic nature of the event, there were serious moments as well. Biden warned about Trump’s attacks on democracy and his desire to be a dictator, expressing concern about the potential for violence following the next election.
In a more heartfelt moment, Jost thanked Biden for his decency and recounted how his grandfather had voted for him in what would be his last election. Throngs of anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the venue to demonstrate against Biden and the attendees of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. While the event featured humor and entertainment, it also highlighted the tension and divisions within American politics.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner remains a highly anticipated event that brings together politicians, journalists, and celebrities for a night of jokes and camaraderie. Despite Trump’s criticisms and the serious undertones of this year’s event, the dinner continues to be a tradition that showcases the unique relationship between the press and the presidency. The ability to poke fun at those in power while also addressing important issues reflects the dynamic nature of American politics and the role of humor in bringing people together.
