Amber Ruffin Will Not Host White House Correspondents’ Dinner After New Comments

In a notable shift, Amber Ruffin, the celebrated comedian and host of The Amber Ruffin Show, will no longer take the stage at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The WHCA made the announcement public on March 29, choosing to remove Ruffin from the program to focus the evening on journalism and unity.

“My intention in hosting was to entertain while celebrating journalism,” Ruffin expressed, adding, “Though disappointed, I understand and respect the WHCA’s decision.”

Ruffin, known for her sharp wit and candid political commentary, had initially been slated to headline the high-profile event, traditionally marked by humor and celebrity appearances.

The decision by WHCA President Eugene Daniels aims to pivot the dinner’s spotlight away from potential political divisions toward highlighting journalistic accomplishments. Daniels explained, “At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing excellence in reporting and nurturing aspiring journalists.

The change follows criticism from Taylor Budowich, Deputy Chief of Staff for former President Donald Trump, who objected to Ruffin’s role due to her outspoken critiques of Trump. According to Variety, the WHCA made its decision after Budowich raised concerns over Ruffin’s past comments critical of Trump. Earlier in the week, Ruffin told a podcast backed by The Daily Beast that she would not aim her jokes at all sides of the political spectrum as requested by the WHCA. Ruffin notably likened the Trump administration to “kind of a bunch of murderers,” stating, “Playing to both sides makes them feel like human beings…cause they’re not.” Additionally, The New York Post noted that Budowich specifically cited Ruffin’s previous remark describing Trump as “a walking example of what happens when privilege meets incompetence.” Budowich remarked that Ruffin’s presence could lead to unnecessary polarization at the event.

Set for April 26, the WHCA Dinner will now exclusively spotlight award-winning journalism, mentorship initiatives, and scholarship recipients, aligning with the association’s renewed dedication to media integrity and unity.