Comedian Amber Ruffin will no longer perform at the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Dinner, set for April 26 in Washington, D.C. The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) announced the cancellation of her appearance, marking a notable departure from the event’s tradition of featuring a comedian.
In an email to members, WHCA President Eugene Daniels explained that the decision to forgo a comedian this year was made unanimously by the board. He emphasized the importance of focusing on journalism and recognizing outstanding work rather than political division. This decision comes after Ruffin was initially announced as a fitting choice for the current political landscape.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has a long history, dating back to 1921, and is typically attended by U.S. presidents. However, past presidents, including Donald Trump, have opted out of attending during their terms. The event has faced criticism for its perceived closeness between the media and the White House, leading to protests in recent years.
Previous entertainers at the dinner have included notable figures like Trevor Noah and Colin Jost. In 2019, the event also went without a comedian, featuring historian Ron Chernow instead. The WHCA’s decision to cancel Ruffin’s appearance comes at a time when the association is under scrutiny, particularly after the White House announced plans to manage its own press pool, bypassing the WHCA.
As the date of the dinner approaches, it remains uncertain whether President Biden or former President Trump will attend. The WHCA continues to advocate for transparency and access for journalists covering the White House, aiming to ensure the public remains informed.