Amber Ruffin CANCELED?! White House Dinner SHOCK!

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Since the 1920s, almost every year since 1941, the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) has hosted an annual fundraising dinner known for gathering Republicans and Democrats in one place. The event typically invites performers who humorously critique both political parties. This dinner, often referred to as the D.C.’s version of the Met Gala or the Academy Awards, supports journalism and student scholarships. Notable figures such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Ed Sullivan, Milton Berle, James Cagney, Duke Ellington, Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Peter Sellers, Chevy Chase, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, Ray Romano, Aretha Franklin, Cedric the Entertainer, Ray Charles, Drew Carey, Seth Meyers, and many others have graced its stage. This year, Amber Ruffin was set to perform, but it seems that won’t take place.

As a movie buff, I can tell you that Ruffin, who’s earned Emmy and Tony nominations for her comedic writing and performances on Late Night with Seth Meyers, has been making waves lately as a team captain alongside Michael Ian Black in the underappreciated U.S. version of Have I Got News for You, hosted by Roy Wood, Jr., who’s graced the stage at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Just a couple months ago, her attendance at some event was announced, but it looks like she won’t be going anymore – even though President Donald Trump isn’t planning to attend the dinner himself. This news came through an email from WHCA President Eugene Daniels.

According to Daniels, as reported by Deadline, the WHCA board has collectively agreed that there won’t be a comedic act this year. Given the significant role journalism plays currently, he emphasized the importance of avoiding political discord and instead honoring exceptional work among our peers, offering scholarships, and mentoring future journalists.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been brainstorming a new concept for our annual family dinner tradition. As we get closer to the event, I will reveal further information about the plans that aim to celebrate outstanding journalism and a strong, autonomous media, reporting on the world’s most influential position.

The WHCA Praised Amber Ruffin Last Month

This is quite a departure from how Daniels sounded only a month ago when he declared that Ruffin would be in charge of the dinner. “As I pondered who would make an ideal entertainer for this year’s event, Amber was undeniably at the forefront of my mind,” Daniels stated in the WHCA’s announcement on February 4, 2025. Politico, head of the association, expressed this. “She possesses a unique talent to straddle between sharp commentary and humor while stimulating her audience to contemplate today’s significant matters. I am elated and proud that she agreed.” Daniels’ endorsement and appreciation for Ruffin in February remained consistent with these words:

In this political and cultural context, Amber’s exceptional abilities make her an ideal candidate. Her viewpoint aligns perfectly with the longstanding tradition of this dinner, which celebrates the freedom of the press while satirically critiquing influential figures across the spectrum. The dinner is focused on emphasizing the importance of a functioning democracy, and Amber, being a perceptive entertainer who grasps both the gravity of that mission and the workings of power in this nation, would be an excellent fit.

It’s truly regrettable that White House Correspondents Dinners have occasionally provided some of the most humorous and bold moments throughout the year. Stephen Colbert’s controversial act at one of these events, alongside George W. Bush, is often pointed to in the media as a demonstration of how comedy can challenge authority. Some even attribute Seth Meyers’ attendance at the 2011 dinner with Barack Obama to the rise of Donald Trump, due to his persistent jabs at Trump. It’s intriguing to speculate about the consequences had Ruffin performed.

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2025-03-30 06:01