Comedian Matt Friend Roasts Audience at 2024 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
“Friend’s Controversial Trump Impression at White House Correspondents’ Dinner Sparks Mixed Reactions”
The 2024 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner took an unexpected turn when comedian Matt Friend decided to channel his inner Donald Trump and deliver a series of topical jokes that left the audience gasping and groaning.
Friend, known for his spot-on celebrity impressions, kicked off his performance by greeting the crowd with a classic Trump line, “Great to see you losers.” He then proceeded to poke fun at current events, including a joke about an impending TikTok ban and a reference to a man who tragically set himself on fire outside the courthouse where Trump’s criminal trial was taking place.
The joke about the self-immolation incident elicited a mixed reaction from the audience, with some laughing, others groaning, and some audibly gasping. Friend didn’t shy away from controversial topics, also making a joke about South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who recently faced backlash for admitting to killing her dog.
Despite the tepid response from the audience, Friend’s performance gained traction on social media, with viewers expressing their thoughts on the comedian’s bold jokes. Some noted that the crowd seemed tough on both Friend and the night’s headliner, Colin Jost, when it came to political humor.
Friend, who has gained popularity for his celebrity impressions on social media, is set to launch a podcast later this spring. His performance at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner may have been polarizing, but it certainly got people talking.
To watch Friend’s full performance and see his impressions of Bernie Sanders and Mitch McConnell, check out the broadcast on C-SPAN’s YouTube account. And don’t forget to sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free daily newsletter for more breaking TV news and exclusive content.
In the world of comedy, pushing boundaries and sparking conversations is par for the course. Friend’s controversial performance at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is just another example of how humor can sometimes walk a fine line between funny and provocative.