"I see it as a huge opportunity for a comedian to do something interesting," says Larry Wilmore, who headlined 2016's dinner, as the host gig goes unfilled and MSNBC mulls canceling its party amid the president's press war.
Flame-retardant formalwear might be in order for the first White House Correspondents' Association Dinner with Donald Trump. The president's media war and initial policy moves are recasting Washington's premier social event as a radioactive hot potato that few Hollywood stars or media outlets want to touch.President Trump is expected to attend the April 29 event at the Washington Hilton. But others are bailing on the festivities this year. Sources tell THR the casts of the D.C.-set House of Cards, Veep and Scandal likely will not attend (all have had a presence during the Obama years), while the WHCA has yet to secure a comedian headliner, as is customary by February. Many media organizations are waffling on their usual plans for the weekend. It's unclear whether MSNBC will host its traditional afterparty, an event known for anchor and amateur mixologist Rachel Maddow tending the bar. Also unknown is whether Funny or Die will host its Friday night kickoff party. Already, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker — both of whose editors have been critical of Trump — have pulled out of the festivities. (Bloomberg, which co-sponsors the Vanity Fair event, will go it alone.)
CBS News and The Atlantic are moving forward with their predinner cocktail reception, and CNN — a frequent Trump target — still is planning to have its Sunday brunch. A CNN source tells THR that it will have a similar presence at the dinner; in years past, the network has purchased close to a dozen tables. It's unclear whether CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker will attend.
