WASHINGTON – A Muslim comedian known as correspondent in the Daily Show and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump will be the host entertainer of this year’s White House correspondents’ dinner.

“It is a tremendous honor to be a part of such a historic event even though the president has chosen not to attend this year. SAD!” Hasan Minhaj said in a statement quoted by The Time on April 11.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that we honor the First Amendment and the freedom of the press.”

The dinner has traditionally been a festive occasion that attracts heavyweights from the media, Washington power brokers, and Hollywood celebrities.

Scheduled for April 29, it will not be attended by Trump or any of his top aides, the first time in over 30 years that a sitting president will skip the dinner, according to Huffington Post.

Minhaj, a native of California, is the son of Muslim parents from India who immigrated to the United States.

Inviting Minhaj, 31, to entertain the dinner is symbolically significant since he is widely known as the ‘Muslim correspondent’ on the Comedy Central satire.

Trump Critic

Minhaj has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s policies.

Following Trump’s first Muslim ban in January, Minhaj recalled flying into Kennedy Airport in New York on the day it was implemented, according to Slate.

“Usually, being a Muslim at an airport sucks,’ he said. ‘But this weekend, it was like I was Weeknd […] Literally three white people ran up to me to thank me for being Muslim.”

“Just look at what he’s done at the airport: White women were turning their scarves into hijabs,’ he said. “Muslims were publicly praying, and people were cheering them on!”

“Congratulations, Mr. President. Mission accomplished.”

Praise

Explaining the decision to book Minhaj, WHCA head Jeff Mason told MSNBC’s Morning Joe that the comic “brings comedy chops, but he also brings heart ― and I think that we’re going to see that at this dinner.”

“I am thrilled that Hasan will serve as our featured entertainer at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Mason added in a statement.

“Hasan’s smarts, big heart and passion for press freedom make him the perfect fit for our event, which will be focused on the First Amendment and the importance of a robust and independent media.”