Overheard at Lunch: DC Gossip Girl

Granddaughter Divulges Barbara Bush Secret
“Today” show correspondent Jenna Bush Hager is toe-tally in trouble with her grandmother, former first lady Barbara Bush. During the fourth hour of a recent show, when Bush Hager was filling in for Hoda Kotb, she was conversing with Kathie Lee Gifford and casually mentioned that her grandmother was missing two toes. Bush Hager later expressed her embarrassment and apologized to her “ganny” for divulging the podiatric secret.

Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush.

Omarosa Weds Pastor at Trump Hotel
The Old Post Office Tower rang with wedding bells (at least figuratively) April 8, when former “Apprentice” star Omarosa Manigault married Pastor John Allen Newman at the Trump International Hotel. According to financial disclosures, Manigault got a whopping $25,000 in Kleinfeld Bridal items for going on the TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress.” Though Manigault is a presidential assistant and director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison, Trump couldn’t make it to the wedding; he was at (surprise, surprise) Mar-a-Lago for the weekend.

Minhaj Hosts White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Hasan Minhaj.

The show must — and will — go on, despite President Trump bailing. The White House Correspondents’ Association announced that Hasan Minhaj of “The Daily Show” will be the featured performer at the high-profile annual dinner, set for April 29. WHCA President Jeff Mason told MSNBC (via Yahoo) that Minhaj will not roast the president, instead providing a funny, entertaining time. Minhaj previously hosted the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association Dinner, so he has some practice.

Kalorama Character Is ‘Petty Neighbor’
One of first daughter Ivanka Trump’s neighbors has become quite the viral hit of late. Dubbed “Ivanka’s Petty Neighbor” by women’s website Broadly, Dianne Bruce lives across the street from Trump, her husband Jared Kushner and their family. While many Kaloramans were less than delighted by the Queer Dance Party for Climate Justice held in front of the Trump-Kushner home, Bruce gleefully ventured out onto her steps. Clad in a fur coat and sipping wine from an expensive-looking glass, she became an instant internet hit, with YouTuber Cole Ledford calling her his “spirit animal.”

Former Mayor Sharon Pratt, Council members Mary Cheh and Jack Evans with Mark Plotkin. Courtesy Office of Jack Evans.

Plotkin Gets His Day
The “Whereases” were flying off the parchment April 10, as columnist and political pundit Mark Plotkin was celebrated for his service to the District of Coumbia and his 70th birthday. At the District Council office of Jack Evans, former Mayor Sharon Pratt and Vincent Gray showed up along with Council member Mary Cheh and other friends. Cited for his political work and pro-District efforts, such as his help in getting the Frederick Douglass statue put into the Capitol Visitors Center and his call for full congressional representation, Plotkin worked for WTOP Rado and WAMU. He is a columnist for The Georgetowner and thehill.com. Thus ran the “Whereases” with the conclusion: “This resolution may be cited as the ‘Mark Plotkin Recognition Resolution of 2017’ and declares April 10, 2017, as Mark Plotkin Day in the District of Columbia.” That’s one sweet birthday, Mark.