Unlike other White House Correspondents’ Dinners parties, which are sponsored by left-leaning or mainstream news outlets, this one was co-sponsored by the Daily Mail, a newcomer to the party scene. It was notable in that it actually had some Republicans in attendance.

A White House correspondents’ dinner that lacks the traditional comedy act doesn’t necessarily translate to a more somber-than-usual evening. In 2019, the historian Ron Chernow gave a lecture and everyone had a pretty decent time; in 2003, Ray Charles sang instead. Hard to imagine that was anything less than a treat for guests.

The White House Correspondents' Dinner was once Washington's biggest night. With no Trump expected, will the dinner be stale?