The following article was posted on the Axios website April 6, 2018:
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will take President Trump’s place at the White House Correspondents Association annual dinner.
Why it matters: Trump would have had to share the stage with the journalists receiving awards including ones from what he’s called on Twitter the “failing” New York Times, and “Fake News” CNN.
“The White House has informed us that the president does not plan to participate in this year’s dinner but that he will actively encourage members of the executive branch to attend and join us as we celebrate the First Amendment. In keeping with tradition, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also will represent the administration at the head table. The April 28 dinner celebrates award-winning reporting, scholarship winners and the vital role of the First Amendment and the free press in American democracy.”— WHCA President Margaret Talev