President Joe Biden is set to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner in April 2024, marking his first appearance at the annual event since taking office and breaking a personal pattern of avoiding the gathering during his presidency.
The decision comes after Biden skipped the 2022 and 2023 dinners, citing scheduling conflicts and a preference to focus on official duties. His attendance this year signals a notable shift in his relationship with the press corps, particularly given his frequent criticisms of media coverage during public remarks and press briefings.
The WHCA dinner, held annually since 1921 (with exceptions during wartime and the pandemic), traditionally brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities for an evening of satire and reflection on the state of the press and presidency. The event is often seen as a barometer of the relationship between the White House and the press corps.
According to the White House Correspondents’ Association, the 2024 dinner will take place on April 27 at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C. White House Correspondents’ Association
Biden’s participation follows a long-standing tradition of presidential attendance, though several recent presidents have opted out at various points. Former President Donald Trump did not attend the dinner during any of his four years in office, continuing a boycott that began during his 2016 campaign. President Barack Obama attended eight times during his two terms, while George W. Bush attended six of his eight possible appearances.
The president’s relationship with the media has been a recurring theme throughout his presidency. Biden has frequently criticized what he describes as overly negative or sensationalized coverage, particularly regarding his age, policy initiatives, and foreign policy decisions. In a March 2024 press briefing, he remarked that “the press doesn’t always gain it right,” though he also acknowledged the importance of a free press to democracy.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden’s attendance in a statement on April 5, noting that the president looks forward to engaging with journalists in a less formal setting. She emphasized that the event provides an opportunity to “highlight the vital role of a free and independent press” in American democracy.
The WHCA has awarded scholarships to aspiring journalists since 1944 and uses proceeds from the dinner to support its charitable mission, including funding for journalism education and first amendment advocacy. In 2023, the association awarded over $250,000 in scholarships and grants to students pursuing careers in journalism.
Historically, the dinner has featured comedic monologues from invited performers who roast both the president and the press. Past hosts have included comedians such as Stephen Colbert, Hasan Minhaj, and Michelle Wolf, whose performances have sometimes sparked controversy for their pointed satire.
For the 2024 event, the WHCA has not yet announced the featured entertainer. The association typically selects a comedian or performer known for political satire, with past choices reflecting the prevailing tone of political discourse.
Media analysts note that Biden’s appearance could be interpreted as an effort to reset tensions with the press corps, particularly amid ongoing debates about media bias, presidential accountability, and the role of satire in political culture. Some observers suggest the event may offer a rare moment of levity in an otherwise intense political climate.
The president’s attendance also raises questions about how he will engage with the traditional roast format. While past presidents have generally participated in solid humor, Biden’s past criticisms of media coverage may influence how he responds to jokes about his administration or personal attributes.
As of April 2024, the White House has not released details about Biden’s planned remarks or whether he will deliver a prepared speech. Previous presidents have used the occasion to deliver self-deprecating humor and brief remarks, often following the entertainer’s performance.
The event will be televised live on C-SPAN and streamed online, continuing a tradition that allows the public to witness the intersection of politics, media, and comedy. Viewers typically tune in to see how the president handles satire directed at him and his administration.
Looking ahead, the WHCA has confirmed that the 2025 dinner is tentatively scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the same venue, assuming no changes to the annual calendar. The association typically announces dates and venues more than a year in advance to allow for planning.
For ongoing updates about the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, including speaker announcements, ticket information, and charitable initiatives, the public can refer to the association’s official website and social media channels.
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