US President Joe Biden delivered a witty and sharp-tongued roast at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, taking jabs at his Republican rival Donald Trump and poking fun at his own age. However, outside the Washington Hilton where the event took place, protesters gathered to criticize Biden’s support for Israel’s war against Hamas.
As Biden joked about the age difference between himself and Trump, demonstrators outside chanted about journalist deaths in Gaza and urged journalists to boycott the event. Despite the protests, Biden managed to avoid the large crowds by entering through a back entrance, where smaller groups of protesters called for a ceasefire.
Inside the event, which is often referred to as Washington’s “nerd prom,” Biden urged the press corps to focus on the seriousness of the moment and move past distractions and sensationalism in politics. The evening was hosted by “Saturday Night Live” cast member Colin Jost.
The growing movement against the war in Gaza has been a challenge for Biden, with protests disrupting events and expanding to college campuses. The White House Correspondents’ Association, founded in 1914, has been hosting the annual dinner to celebrate journalists covering the presidency and raise money for scholarships.