WHCA Cancels Amber Ruffin’s Performance, Drops Comedy from 2025 Dinner

The White House Correspondents' Association shifts focus to journalistic excellence and the First Amendment, citing concerns over divisive politics.

The WHCA board unanimously voted to cancel Amber Ruffin’s comedic performance, announced in February, and remove all comedy from the annual dinner for the first time in years.
WHCA President Eugene Daniels emphasized the decision was aimed at focusing on honoring journalistic excellence and mentorship over the 'politics of division.'
The move follows criticism from the Trump administration, including remarks by Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, who labeled Ruffin’s comments about the administration as inflammatory.
The WHCA stated that plans to re-envision the dinner were already in progress and were not influenced by the White House’s criticism of Ruffin.
The Trump administration’s ongoing tensions with the WHCA include restricting press access, favoring pro-Trump media outlets, and barring traditional outlets like the Associated Press from key events.