White House Correspondents’ Association Cancels Amber Ruffin’s Performance at Annual Gala Dinner Following Criticism from the White House, Shifts Focus to Celebrating Journalistic Excellence

White House Correspondents’ Association Cancels Amber Ruffin’s Performance at Annual Gala Dinner Amid White House Criticism

Washington, D.C. – March 29, 2025 – The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has made the surprising decision to cancel comedian Amber Ruffin’s scheduled performance at its annual gala dinner, set for April 26, 2025, following criticism from the White House. The move, announced by WHCA President Eugene Daniels on Saturday, comes amid heightened tensions between the association and the Trump administration, with the WHCA stating its intent to refocus the event on “journalistic excellence” rather than entertainment that might stoke political division.

A Shift in Focus Amid Political Pressure

The WHCA’s decision to drop Ruffin, an Emmy- and Tony-nominated comedian known for her sharp political commentary, follows weeks of pressure from the White House. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich publicly criticized the choice of Ruffin, pointing to her past remarks about the Trump administration. In a recent appearance on a Daily Beast podcast, Ruffin called the administration “kind of a bunch of murderers” and expressed reluctance to adhere to the WHCA’s request for balanced humor that targets “both sides” of the political spectrum. Budowich labeled Ruffin a “2nd rate comedian” and questioned the judgment of journalists and sponsors attending an event featuring her, calling it “hate-filled” and “violence-inspiring.”

Daniels, in a memo to WHCA members, emphasized that the decision to cancel Ruffin’s performance was unanimous among the association’s board and had been in the works for weeks as part of a broader “re-envisioning” of the dinner. “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 wrote. The WHCA has also decided to forgo any comedic performance at this year’s event, a departure from its long-standing tradition of featuring comedians to roast political figures and the press.

Amber Ruffin: A Comedian Caught in the Crossfire

Amber Ruffin, a celebrated writer and performer, was initially announced as the headliner for the 2025 WHCA dinner on February 4, 2025. At the time, Daniels praised her as the “perfect fit” for the event, citing her ability to deliver “blistering commentary and humor” while provoking thought on critical issues. Ruffin, known for her work on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, her former Peacock series The Amber Ruffin Show, and her current role on CNN’s Have I Got News For You, has built a reputation for incisive political humor, often targeting the Trump administration. In a recent segment on Late Night, she mocked the White House’s decision to bar AP reporters from the Oval Office over a naming dispute involving the Gulf of Mexico, quipping, “I was like ‘What! Now you care about deadnaming?’”

Ruffin’s selection was seen as a bold choice, especially given the fraught relationship between the WHCA and the Trump administration. President Donald Trump, who skipped the dinner during his first term and has not confirmed his attendance for this year’s event, has a history of clashing with the press and the WHCA. The administration’s recent moves to ban the Associated Press from certain events and take control of press pool assignments have further strained relations, creating a tense backdrop for the annual gala.

A History of Controversy at the WHCA Dinner

The WHCA dinner, a tradition since 1921, has long been a high-profile event where journalists, politicians, and celebrities gather to celebrate the First Amendment and honor excellence in journalism. Proceeds from the dinner fund scholarships for aspiring journalists, and the event often features a comedian who roasts the press and political figures in attendance. However, the comedic performances have occasionally sparked controversy, particularly during Trump’s tenure. In 2018, comedian Michelle Wolf drew backlash for her scathing jokes about then-White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, prompting some attendees to question the tone of the event. In 2019, the WHCA opted to replace the comedian with a speech by biographer Ron Chernow, a decision that was also seen as a response to the political climate at the time.

Ruffin’s cancellation marks another chapter in this ongoing debate about the role of comedy at the WHCA dinner. Critics of the decision argue that the WHCA is caving to pressure from the Trump administration, undermining its commitment to press freedom and independent journalism. Posts on X reflect a mix of frustration and disappointment, with some users calling the move a sign of the WHCA’s “cowardice” in the face of political pressure. Others, however, see the decision as a pragmatic step to avoid further conflict with an administration that has already shown a willingness to retaliate against perceived slights.

The Bigger Picture: Journalism Under Pressure

The cancellation of Ruffin’s performance comes at a time when the WHCA and the broader White House press corps are grappling with significant challenges. The Trump administration’s efforts to control press access, including barring the Associated Press from events and taking over press pool assignments, have raised concerns about the erosion of journalistic independence. Conservative media outlets aligned with Trump are reportedly planning alternative events around the April 26 dinner, further highlighting the polarized media landscape.

For the WHCA, the decision to remove Ruffin and eliminate the comedic portion of the dinner may be an attempt to de-escalate tensions and refocus on its core mission of supporting journalists. However, it also raises questions about the association’s ability to stand firm in the face of political pressure. The dinner has long been criticized by some journalists for its optics—mingling with the powerful figures they cover can undermine public trust in the press. By removing the comedic element, the WHCA may hope to present a more serious, journalism-focused event, but it risks alienating those who see the roast as a vital part of holding power to account through humor.

What’s Next for the WHCA Dinner?

As the April 26 event approaches, Daniels has promised to share more details about the revised plans for the dinner, which will now center on honoring journalistic excellence and supporting the next generation of reporters. Whether this shift will satisfy attendees and sponsors remains to be seen. Ruffin, for her part, has not yet commented publicly on the cancellation, though her representatives were reportedly unavailable for comment on Saturday.

The WHCA’s decision to cancel Amber Ruffin’s performance underscores the delicate balance journalists must strike in an increasingly polarized political environment. While the association aims to refocus on its mission, the move also highlights the challenges of maintaining independence and fostering dialogue in a climate where criticism—whether from a comedian or a reporter—can provoke swift and severe backlash. As the 2025 dinner approaches, all eyes will be on the WHCA to see how it navigates this new chapter in its storied history.