Lots of venerable institutions, including the notion of democracy, are under threat thanks to the new administration. We might not even be able to look forward to the annual roasting of the leader of the free world at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (and not just because he’s already been spray-tanned to the far end of a Pantone swatch). With President Donald Trump denouncing virtually every media outlet that doesn’t rhyme with “box poohs,” the odds of the Correspondents’ Association hosting the event aren’t looking too good. So, just as she stepped up in the late-night vacuum following Jon Stewart’s Daily Show exit, Samantha Bee is going to hold her own shindig.
The Full Frontal host tells The New York Times that she’s planning a “counter-event” on April 29, the same night that the Correspondents’ Dinner will be held, if it’s held. Dubbed the “Not The White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Bee’s event will be held at the Willard Hotel. But the goal isn’t necessarily to draw attention away from whatever stilted gathering journalists are roped into attending, though. According to Bee, she and her team aren’t “trying to supersede it. We just want to be there in case something happens—or doesn’t happen—and ensure that we get to properly roast the president.” The lineup has not been finalized or teased, but it will likely air on TBS. Proceeds from the Not The White House Correspondents’ Dinner will go to the Committee To Protect Journalists.