Comedian, writer, and actress Amber Ruffin was originally slated to perform at the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 26 in Washington, D.C. However, her appearance has been canceled by the organizing group.
In a significant shift from tradition, this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner will proceed without a featured comedian for the first time in years.
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has decided to cancel Amber Ruffin’s appearance at the high-profile event. In a notice sent to members, WHCA President Eugene Daniels stated the board unanimously agreed to prioritize honoring journalists over comedic performances at this year’s gathering.
“At this pivotal moment for journalism, we want the focus to be on recognizing the exceptional work of our colleagues and supporting future journalists through scholarships and mentorship,” he remarked.
This decision follows a previous announcement about Ruffin’s participation, which was well-received. Ruffin was considered a fitting choice for today’s political climate.
Notable previous entertainers at the dinner have included Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., and Colin Jost. The event also did not feature a comedian in 2019, with historian Ron Chernow delivering the keynote address.
Representatives for Ruffin did not provide immediate comments on the cancellation.
Since its inception in 1921, the annual White House dinner has been a staple event, often attended by U.S. presidents. Notably, President Trump opted to skip the dinner during his first term, favoring a rally instead.
The potential attendance of President Trump this year remains uncertain. In a recent announcement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed she would not be attending the event.
The WHCA plays an essential role in overseeing the pool of journalists covering the president. Recently, the White House indicated it would manage its pool independently of the association, raising questions about the future of press access.
The event has faced scrutiny over perceived closeness between the White House and media representatives, leading to protests outside the venue, particularly surrounding issues like the Gaza conflict and fossil fuel policies in earlier years.
Following the announcement, Daniels emphasized on the WHCA website: “We will continue advocating for transparent access and the public’s right to receive unbiased information from the White House.”
