The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) has made the controversial decision to cancel the headline comedy performance for this year's annual dinner, scheduled for next month. This announcement follows heightened tensions between the association and the Trump administration. Comedian Amber Ruffin, who was set to entertain at the event, will no longer be performing.
In a memo sent to its members, the WHCA stated that the focus of the event is not on "the politics of division," but rather on honoring the vital work of White House journalists. This shift in focus comes after significant backlash from the Trump administration regarding Ruffin's selection as a headliner, primarily due to her previous criticisms of President Donald Trump.
Following the WHCA's announcement, Taylor Budowich, the White House deputy chief of staff, expressed his dissatisfaction. He characterized the decision to cancel Ruffin's performance as a "cop out," stating that there was "no accountability at the WHCA." Budowich labeled the association's statement as "pathetic" and referred to Ruffin as a "hate-filled" comedian.
Amber Ruffin, an Emmy and Tony nominated comedian and writer, was originally selected by WHCA President Eugene Daniels, who praised her unique talents as a perfect match for the current political and cultural climate. Ruffin is well-known for her work on NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, where she has gained attention for her satirical segments, including jabs at the Trump administration, such as mocking his order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The WHCA has faced ongoing conflicts with the Trump administration, highlighted by recent incidents such as the decision to bar the Associated Press from covering certain events and the administration's attempts to exert direct control over the press pool—journalists who cover the White House and accompany the president during official travels.
As the WHCA prepares for this year's correspondents' dinner, it remains unclear whether President Trump will attend the event. Previous dinners have featured renowned entertainers such as Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno, making the absence of a headlining comedy performance a notable change in tradition.
