The White House Correspondents' Dinner, an annual event that brings together the US media and politicians, has been plagued by controversy in recent years. Last night's event was no exception, with US President Donald Trump delivering a speech that was met with stony silence from the audience.
The event was rescheduled from 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, and attendees were expecting a lighthearted evening. However, Trump's jokes and barbs against his critics dominated the evening, with many in the audience looking visibly uncomfortable.
Trump targeted several high-profile critics, including the media and politicians, in a speech that was widely seen as a roast of his enemies. The event has been a regular fixture on the US social calendar, but its popularity has been on the wane in recent years, with some critics accusing it of being too focused on celebrity culture.
The UK Foreign Office has not issued any travel advice in relation to the event, and British nationals in the US are advised to exercise normal precautions when attending public events.
While the event may have been a cringe-fest for many in attendance, it has sparked a wider debate about the role of the media in US politics. Trump's comments have been widely condemned by critics, who argue that they undermine the importance of a free press in a healthy democracy.
In a statement, the White House said that the President's comments were meant to be humorous and were not intended to be taken seriously. However, the fallout from the event is likely to continue for some time, with many in the US media questioning the wisdom of hosting the event at all.