President Trump's absence was the least controversial part of this year's White House Correspondents' dinner. Instead it was the crude jokes made by the event's headliner. The criticism has prompted questions about the purpose of the annual gala. Plus, Trump has till midnight to yet again prevent a brewing trade war. This episode: host/Congressional correspondent Scott Detrow, national political correspondent Mara Liasson and political reporter Asma Khalid. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.