Jon Stewart’s comedy often cuts through Washington, D.C.’s bonhomie and niceties, but he’s defending one inside-the-Beltway ritual, the White House correspondents’ dinner.

Some have demanded that reporters boycott over President Donald Trump’s treatment of the press, but Stewart says he disagrees.

“I think it’ll be entertaining,” the ex-Comedy Central host told TMZ on Monday. “The scholarships that they provide at that dinner, what they’re raising money for, is still a good cause,” he added, referring to the scholarships for journalism students for which the event raises money.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

The new president’s constant attacks on the media, which he often characterizes as “the very dishonest press, and chief strategist Steve Bannon’s recent statement that reporters are “the opposition party,” have prompted some to back away from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Vanity Fair and The New Yorker canceled related celebrations this year, and Samantha Bee, who used to work on Stewart’s “Daily Show,” has announced plans to hold a rival event to support the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Contact Daniel J. Solomon at [email protected] or on Twitter @DanielJSolomon

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount