The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has made a significant announcement, reversing its earlier decision to have comedian Amber Ruffin headline this year's annual fundraising dinner in Washington, DC. Instead of the usual entertainment, the association has opted to focus on celebrating the First Amendment and the integral role of the free press.
In a memo released on Saturday, the association's president, Eugene Daniels, emphasized the importance of recognizing outstanding journalistic work during this critical time for journalism. “At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists,” Daniels stated. This decision comes after a unanimous vote by the association’s board, though no new speakers for the event have been announced yet.
This change reflects the growing tensions between the WHCA and the Trump administration, which has been marked by conflicts over press access and coverage. Traditionally, the annual dinner features comedians who often poke fun at political figures, including the sitting president. For instance, last year’s event included remarks from comedian Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live” and President Joe Biden, who humorously critiqued both Trump and his own age.
Notably, Trump chose to skip the dinner during his first term and was expected to do so again this April. The association faced internal concerns regarding the optics of having a comedian known for her critical views on Trump as the evening's entertainment, especially considering the live broadcast. Many members feared a repeat of the backlash experienced when comedian Michelle Wolf roasted Trump in 2018.
The WHCA has been under considerable pressure this year due to actions taken by the Trump White House, which has included banning the Associated Press from certain events and exerting control over press pool assignments. These moves are part of a broader strategy to assert power and limit independent news coverage, leaving many White House correspondents feeling discontented.
In response to the upcoming April 26 dinner, conservative media outlets aligned with Trump are organizing alternative events, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Numerous media companies typically purchase tables at the dinner, and many host their own receptions surrounding the event.
Amber Ruffin, who previously hosted a late-night talk show on Peacock and currently appears on CNN's “Have I Got News for You,” was initially announced as the headliner in February. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, she expressed her intention to incorporate anti-Trump sentiments into her performance and commented on Trump's likely absence, stating, “I don’t know that anyone’s looking forward to being in the same room as him.”
On Friday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich criticized Ruffin for her comments, questioning the integrity of a journalist who would participate in an event perceived as hostile. He remarked on X, “What kind of responsible, sensible journalist would attend something like this? More importantly, what kind of company would sponsor such a hate-filled and violence-inspiring event?”
The decision to forgo a comedian aligns with the association's approach in 2019, when acclaimed biographer Ron Chernow delivered a speech instead of a comedic performance. However, the WHCA had already promoted Ruffin as the evening's headliner prior to this recent change. As the date of the dinner approaches, Daniels has promised to share more details regarding plans to honor journalistic excellence and the importance of a robust, independent media that covers the most powerful office in the world.
Ruffin has not yet publicly commented on the cancellation of her performance.
