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.

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.