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WHCA Cancels Amber Ruffin's Role at 2025 Dinner, Shifts Focus to Journalism Awards

The White House Correspondents’ Association unanimously decided to forgo a comedic performance to prioritize celebrating journalistic excellence and scholarships, following criticism of Ruffin’s anti-Trump remarks.

Guests mingle during the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington on April 30, 2022.
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Amber Ruffin attends the Comic Relief Live Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on December 09, 2024 in New York City.
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Overview

  • The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) announced the cancellation of comedian Amber Ruffin's performance at the April 26 dinner, opting to focus on journalism awards and scholarships instead.
  • WHCA President Eugene Daniels stated that the unanimous board decision aims to avoid divisive politics and highlight the importance of the free press at a critical moment for journalism.
  • Amber Ruffin, who was announced as the headliner in February, had planned to incorporate anti-Trump humor, drawing criticism from the White House and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich.
  • The WHCA’s decision aligns with previous adjustments during Trump’s presidency, such as featuring non-comedic speakers like biographer Ron Chernow in 2019.
  • Conservative media outlets aligned with Trump are reportedly organizing alternative events around the WHCA dinner, continuing tensions between the administration and the press.