The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, known for its tradition of humor and presidential roasts, will take place tonight, April 26, at the Washington Hilton. However, former President Donald Trump is not expected to attend.

He had skipped the event multiple times during his first term, and with his return to office, it seems the pattern continues. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also announced she would not attend.

Typically, the dinner features a comedian who roasts the president, but following past controversies, the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) decided to remove comedic performances this year.

Last year’s headliner, Colin Jost, was followed by plans to feature Amber Ruffin, but criticism from Trump’s team led the WHCA to reconsider. WHCA President Eugene Daniels confirmed the decision, emphasizing the focus will shift back to honoring journalistic excellence and a free press.

The dinner, often called “nerd prom,” is a fundraiser supporting the WHCA’s scholarship programs and the promotion of independent journalism. It draws a crowd of prominent media and entertainment figures and will be broadcast by C-SPAN.

Meanwhile, tensions between the press and the Trump administration have escalated.

The White House recently altered press pool rules, reducing the WHCA’s traditional role and favoring a broader mix of media, including conservative influencers. This shift follows disputes like the AP’s lawsuit over Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico.

The dinner once famously fueled Trump’s political ambitions after President Obama mocked him in 2011—a moment many believe helped inspire his 2016 campaign.