Lisa Vanderpump and Ariana Madix led the stars on the red carpet as they attended the 2023 White House Correspondent’s Dinner at the DC Hilton Hotel Saturday night.
The Vanderpump Rules stars tried to leave Scandoval behind to attend the event as DailyMail.com guests.
Despite their best efforts, host Roy Wood Jr. can’t resist a joke about one of the biggest reality TV stories of 2023.
“The untouchable Tucker Carlson doesn’t have a job… but to the Tucker staff, I want you to know that I know how you feel. I work at The Daily Show, so I too was taken aback by the sudden departure of the host of a fake news show. Tucker was overtaken. I got caught up like that guy from Vanderpump Rules,” the Daily Show comedian joked.
Prior to dinner, the stars were treated to an exclusive tour of the White House.
Vanderpump also attended the Garden Brunch of White House correspondents during the day on Saturday.
“I love Washington, I feel so much connection between Washington and London. The architecture is so beautiful. I have eaten and eaten here and I love every minute of it,” the former Real Housewife shared a reporter at that event.
DailyMail.com’s Sean Walsh pictured with Naomi Biden, President Biden’s granddaughter, alongside Ariana Maddix and Lisa Vanderpump
Madix and Vanderpump pictured with supermodel ChrissyTeigen and EGOT John Legend
Lisa Vanderpump and Ariana Maddix pose on the red carpet as they arrive for the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Earlier this week, Vanderpump expressed her delight at attending the dinner as a DailyMail.com guest
Lisa and Ariana on their exclusive tour of the White House
Earlier this week, Lisa and Ariana, both first timers at the WHCA, spoke to DailyMail.com about their excitement. “I don’t know which is more complicated reality TV or politics – I’ll find out on Saturday night,” Lisa joked.
“I am delighted to be attending the White House Correspondents Association dinner this year as a guest of DailyMail.com,” said Vanderpump.
Lisa is joined by Rules co-star Ariana Madix, who is in the wake of her recent relationship implosion with Tom Sandoval.
The 37-year-old blonde bombshell revealed that attending the WHCA dinner is a special way for her to honor her beloved grandmother.
“My wonderful late grandmother was very active in local politics and I’ve always dreamed of visiting the White House, so this is an incredible honor.”
Lisa added, “I also look forward to visiting Capitol Hill again after we successfully pass Resolution 401.”
“I am so happy and honored to have been invited by DailyMail.com. I watch the dinner on TV every year and have always dreamed of being there in person,” she told DailyMail.com.
Vanderpump pictured with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Gayle King at the White House Correspondents’ Garden Brunch
Lisa Vanderpump attends CAA Kickoff Party for The White House Correspondents’ Dinner Weekend at The Henri on April 28
The restaurant mogul and animal activist spent quite a bit of time on the Hill in 2018 to pass HR 401, a bill to condemn the dog and cat meat trade and urge all other countries to outlaw this barbaric practice.
Lisa also defended the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, which makes certain forms of animal cruelty a felony. Congress unanimously passed the law.
Affectionately dubbed “nerd prom,” this year’s event is hosted by stand-up comedian and Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lisa and Ariana as Daily Mail guests to this year’s dinner as we celebrate the First Amendment,” said Sean Walsh, Global Chief Brand Officer and Managing Director, US Operations.
Last year, Kim Kardashian (right) and then-boyfriend Pete Davidson were hailed as the biggest stars to attend the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
Last year, domestic goddess Martha Stewart attended the event as the Daily Mail’s celebrity guest. A snapshot of Martha with Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson, who were making their first public appearance as a couple at the time, went viral.
The WHCA dinner comes in the midst of Vanderpump Rules’ most dramatic season yet, which airs the affair — or Scandoval — between Tom Sandoval, 39, and Raquel Leviss, 28.
The dinner is an annual fundraising event held by the White House Correspondents’ Association to raise money for journalism grants.
Last year, the soiree was led by former Daily Show host Trevor Noah, the first comedian to headline the event since Michelle Wolf in 2018.
It brings together journalists, politicians and celebrities under one roof for a rare night away from politics where the well-heeled can let loose.
For years, comedians have been making fun of both political leaders and journalists during the Correspondent Dinner. Previous hosts have included Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers.
Every president since Calvin Coolidge had attended the WHCA’s annual dinner, except Trump.