As if President Trump hasn’t already made waves throughout his campaign and progressing presidency, he yet again raised eyebrows as he announced he would not be present at the annual Correspondents’ Dinner. On February 25th, Trump tweeted his decline to the invitation: “I will not be attending the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner this year. Please wish everyone well and have a great evening!” It is the first year since 1981 that a President will not take part in the event- the last instance being in the days following an assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan while he was recovering.

Despite the sudden announcement, it is safe to say that not everyone was entirely shocked by his decision. As an event that joins together the President of the United States and the journalists that cover them, it is nearly no surprise that Trump opted to reject an evening with the press he has battled with since his campaign began. In fact, Trump supporters have contemplated a complete boycott of the event while others defend its alliance with the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Regardless of Trump’s absence, the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) will host the event on Saturday, April 29th, 2017. Politicians, those who work for the media, and students striving to one day work for the press will attend the dinner. The WHCA will also award $100,000 scholarships to journalism students and carry out its new mentoring program that joins hardworking students with experienced journalists from around the country.

Many laughs and political banter are still scheduled for the Correspondents’ Dinner. Actor and comedian Alec Baldwin has even jokingly mentioned his interest in standing in for Trump at the event, willing to put on his well-known impersonation from multiple skits shown on Saturday Night Live. Whether this is true or not, the press and outspoken politicians can certainly look forward to the event as comic relief among the hysteria of the nation’s recent adjustments.