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Michelle Wolf’s 2018 White House Roast: Still Unmatched, Still Unapologetic
A Night That Changed the Dinner Forever
On April 28, 2018, comedian Michelle Wolf took the stage at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and delivered a set that shook the political media world. Known for her sharp tongue and unapologetic punchlines, Wolf's 19-minute monologue sparked headlines, controversy, and applause—depending on who you asked.
For the first time, a comic aimed more at the press than the president. And instead of playing it safe, Wolf doubled down on her usual material, unapologetically roasting both politicians and the journalists who cover them.
The Jokes That Lit the Fire
The backlash was swift and intense. Cable news shows condemned her act. Prominent journalists called her jokes “vulgar” and “not funny.” But Wolf stands by it all. In her new PunchUp set Dinner Time, she breaks down what happened that night and why she believes the anger wasn’t truly about the jokes—it was about the truth behind them.
“There’s a gravity to the jokes you say when you’re in front of people who actually make decisions that affect lives,” Wolf explains in her new special. “I wanted to speak to them directly—even if they didn’t laugh.”
PunchUp’s “Dinner Time” Offers a New Look
Filmed in 2022 and released in 2025, Dinner Time is Wolf’s reflective companion to her infamous performance. She analyzes the outrage, breaks down specific lines that got people riled up, and performs a new mini-roast she originally wrote after the dinner. In her words, if viewers thought her 2018 set was mean, “I was pumping the brakes.”
She also reveals that many of her jokes had already been tested in New York clubs beforehand. The goal? To make sure the audience at home laughed, even if the room didn’t.
A Legacy of Censorship?
Since Wolf’s performance, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has mostly stayed away from edgier comedians. In fact, this year’s event didn’t include any stand-up comic at all.
“The press needs to be held accountable just like politicians,” Wolf said. “A comedian telling jokes to their face is a good start.”
Comedians Who Could Carry the Torch
When asked who she thinks could follow in her footsteps, Wolf names Bill Burr, Michael Che, and Dave Chappelle. She believes all three would bring necessary edge and honesty to the gig.
Would she do it again? “Absolutely,” she says. “I have more to say.”