Hasan Minhaj

With President Donald Trump staying away, “The Daily Show’s” Hasan Minhaj is set to headline this year’s White House Correspondents Association dinner.

In a press release, the comedian made a tongue-in-cheek reference to the president’s Twitter style, saying: “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!”

WHCA President Jeff Mason made the announcement on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Tuesday, saying the April 29 dinner will be “different” without Trump. In a statement, Mason said the event “will be focused on the First Amendment and the importance of a robust and independent media.”

Trump was famously the butt of jokes from President Barack Obama at the 2011 dinner. Trump announced in February that he would not attend this year.