The White House Correspondents' Association has announced the cancellation of comedian Amber Ruffin's performance for the upcoming dinner due to tensions with the Trump administration.
Headline Performance Canceled: White House Correspondents' Dinner Loses Comedian Amber Ruffin
Headline Performance Canceled: White House Correspondents' Dinner Loses Comedian Amber Ruffin
The annual event faces backlash as the WHCA drops headliner under political pressure.
The much-anticipated White House correspondents' dinner will proceed without its comedic headliner, Amber Ruffin, who was scheduled to take the stage next month. The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) made the decision to cancel her performance following criticism from the Trump administration regarding her past remarks targeting President Donald Trump.
In a memo circulated to its members, the WHCA emphasized that this year’s event aims to celebrate the efforts of White House journalists, stating that “the focus is not on the politics of division.” This move comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the WHCA and the Trump administration, which has previously criticized Ruffin for her humor and critical commentary on various political topics, including Trump’s controversial order to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
In a statement issued by Taylor Budowich, the White House's deputy chief of staff, the cancellation was described as a “cop out.” Budowich condemned the WHCA's decision, decrying it as “pathetic” and labeling Ruffin's comedy as “hate-filled.”
WHCA President Eugene Daniels had initially introduced Ruffin as the event's headliner, citing her “unique talents” as an ideal fit for the present political climate. Ruffin, known for her work on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, has gained recognition for her satirical segments that often target the administration’s policies and actions.
Additionally, the relationship between the WHCA and the Trump administration has been fraught with disagreements, highlighted by controversies such as the Associated Press being barred from covering certain events and direct interference from the White House in controlling the press pool, which is composed of journalists who follow the President. As of now, it remains unclear whether President Trump will attend this year's dinner.
Historically, the correspondents' dinner has featured notable entertainers like Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno, maintaining a tradition of celebrity performances that accompany the event's journalistic honors.
In a memo circulated to its members, the WHCA emphasized that this year’s event aims to celebrate the efforts of White House journalists, stating that “the focus is not on the politics of division.” This move comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the WHCA and the Trump administration, which has previously criticized Ruffin for her humor and critical commentary on various political topics, including Trump’s controversial order to rename the Gulf of Mexico.
In a statement issued by Taylor Budowich, the White House's deputy chief of staff, the cancellation was described as a “cop out.” Budowich condemned the WHCA's decision, decrying it as “pathetic” and labeling Ruffin's comedy as “hate-filled.”
WHCA President Eugene Daniels had initially introduced Ruffin as the event's headliner, citing her “unique talents” as an ideal fit for the present political climate. Ruffin, known for her work on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, has gained recognition for her satirical segments that often target the administration’s policies and actions.
Additionally, the relationship between the WHCA and the Trump administration has been fraught with disagreements, highlighted by controversies such as the Associated Press being barred from covering certain events and direct interference from the White House in controlling the press pool, which is composed of journalists who follow the President. As of now, it remains unclear whether President Trump will attend this year's dinner.
Historically, the correspondents' dinner has featured notable entertainers like Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Conan O'Brien, and Jay Leno, maintaining a tradition of celebrity performances that accompany the event's journalistic honors.
