President Biden to Address White House Correspondents' Dinner Amidst Protests
President Joe Biden is set to deliver an address at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night. The event comes amidst growing protests over his handling of the Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In previous years, the dinner has served as an opportunity for presidents to engage in lighthearted humor and address media coverage of their administration. However, this year's event is expected to be overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Protesters have pledged to gather outside the dinner site, calling for an end to the war and highlighting the plight of Palestinian journalists who have been killed or injured while covering the conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that nearly 100 journalists have been killed since the war began.
President Biden's speech will be followed by comedian Colin Jost from Saturday Night Live. The event is also expected to include a spotlight on journalists who have been detained or persecuted around the world for doing their jobs.
The White House Correspondents' Association has been criticized for its silence on the killings of Palestinian journalists. Organizers of the protests have called on journalists to boycott the dinner altogether.
The Secret Service has implemented extra security measures to ensure the safety of attendees and protesters alike. The agency has stated that it will remain intolerant of any violent or destructive behavior.
The White House Correspondents' Association dinner is a high-profile event that typically attracts a large crowd of journalists, celebrities, and politicians. However, this year's event is likely to be overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the growing calls for an end to the war.