In brief
The cancellation follows backlash from the Trump administration concerning Ruffin's previous criticisms of President Trump.
The annual White House correspondents' dinner will proceed without comedian Amber Ruffin, who was originally slated to perform next month. The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) announced on Saturday that her appearance has been canceled to maintain the event’s focus on celebrating the work of journalists rather than engaging in political conflict. The decision to drop Ruffin came after criticism from the Trump administration. Taylor Budowich, the White House’s deputy chief of staff, denounced the WHCA’s move as a "cop out," expressing his disdain in a post on X. He further labeled Ruffin, an Emmy and Tony-nominated writer for NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, as "hate-filled," reflecting tensions that have escalated between the White House and the association.Eugene Daniels, WHCA President, had initially highlighted Ruffin's talents as a perfect fit for this year’s dinner amid the current political landscape. Ruffin, known for her sharp comedic commentary, has recently taken jabs at Trump, including a segment that mocked his proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.The WHCA’s relationship with the Trump administration has been strained recently, compounded by actions such as barring the Associated Press from covering certain events and restricting press pool access. It remains uncertain whether President Trump will attend this year's dinner, which has previously featured entertainers like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
