Lack of ID delays Ellen’s entry into White House for award

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Actress, comedian, and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, glances at President Barack Obama as she is presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in Washington. Obama is recognizing 21 Americans with the nation\'s highest civilian award, including giants of the entertainment industry, sports legends, activists and innovators. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

WASHINGTON – Who says Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees have to bring an ID to get into the White House?

Apparently, the Secret Service does, as comedian Ellen DeGeneres experienced a delay in getting into a ceremony in which she and 20 others were honoured with the nation’s highest civilian award.

DeGeneres, sitting on a park bench before the ceremony, tweeted, “They haven’t let me in to the White House yet because I forgot my ID.” She added, “(hashtag)NotJoking.”

Not to worry: DeGeneres made it in time.

President Barack Obama said in honouring her that she has a way of making people laugh at something rather than someone, “except when I danced on her show.” Obama also praised her courage in coming out as gay nearly two decades ago.

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