President Donald Trump's White House staff will not be attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 'solidarity" with the president. Trump announced in February that he would not be attending the April event, making him the first president to skip the WHCD in decades.
Jeff Mason, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, sent a letter to the organization regarding the White House staff's decision, Politico reported Wednesday.
"The White House informed the White House Correspondents’ Association this evening that White House staff will not be attending this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner out of 'solidarity' with President Trump, who has previously announced that he would skip the event," Mason wrote.
Mason admitted his disappointment.
"The WHCA board regrets this decision very much," he wrote. "We have worked hard to build a constructive relationship with the Trump White House and believe strongly that this goal is possible even with the natural tension between the press and administrations that is a hallmark of a healthy republic."
"We made clear in our meeting tonight that President Trump, Vice President Pence, and White House staff continue to be welcome to join us at this dinner," Mason added.
The WHCA president said only the White House can comment of their intention of skipping the dinner but, "our signal is clear: We will celebrate the First Amendment on April 29 and look forward to acknowledging the important work of our terrific members and awarding scholarships to students who represent the next generation of our profession."
The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an annual dinner meant to celebrate journalists and show respect for the presidency. Traditionally a comedian hosts the celebration and there are multiple entertainers. No entertainer has been announced, but it was reported late-night host James Corden was offered the job but turned it down.
Mason told Politico to stay tuned for announcements regarding the entertainment.