Hasan Minhaj is a relatively unknown choice

Daily Show comedian Hasan Minhaj has been named as the comedian performing at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.

This year’s affair will be lower key than normal, as Donald Trump has said he will break with tradition and not attend. 

Roasting of the president is a usual part of the event, which began in 1921, but thin-skinned Trump has a fractious relationship with the reporters who will be  there, and was largely considered to have been humiliated by Barack Obama’s jokes when he attended as a guest in 2011.

Jeff Mason, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association which organises the April 29  event, said: ‘I am thrilled that Hasan will serve as our featured entertainer at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner

‘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.

Minhaj said: ‘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! Now more than ever, it is vital that we honour the First Amendment and the freedom of the press.’

The 31-year-old is a relative unknown for the job previously taken by the likes of.  Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert have tried to walk before.

But Comedy Central star Larry Wilmore struggled with the gig last year, and later admitted he ‘lost the room early’.

White House officials have also been told to steer clear of the event in ‘solidarity’ with the president.

Published: 11 Apr 2017