Mon Mar 31 15:20:00 UTC 2025: **White House Correspondents’ Dinner Cancels Comedian Amber Ruffin’s Appearance**
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has unexpectedly canceled comedian Amber Ruffin’s scheduled performance at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, scheduled for April 26th. The decision, announced Saturday by WHCA President Eugene Daniels, comes just weeks after Ruffin’s appearance was confirmed.
Daniels stated that the board unanimously chose to forgo a comedian this year to maintain a focus on celebrating journalists’ achievements and supporting the next generation of reporters. He cited the current “consequential moment for journalism” and a desire to avoid the “politics of division.”
The cancellation marks a departure from tradition. Previous years have featured comedians such as Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., and Colin Jost. The dinner also proceeded without a comedian in 2019.
While Ruffin’s representatives have yet to comment, the decision raises questions about the event’s future direction. The annual dinner, dating back to 1921, typically includes a prominent comedian and is often attended by the U.S. President, though former President Trump skipped the event during his first term. President Biden’s attendance this year remains unconfirmed. Further adding to the event’s uncertainty, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced in February she will not be attending.
The WHCA’s decision follows recent tensions with the White House, including a dispute over management of the presidential press pool. The dinner itself has faced criticism for perceived coziness between the media and the administration, with protests occurring outside the venue in past years. Despite the controversy, Daniels reaffirmed the WHCA’s commitment to press access and transparency.
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