The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has pulled the plug on plans to feature comedian Amber Ruffin at its annual dinner, opting instead to ditch the traditional comedic roast entirely. The decision, revealed by WHCA President Eugene Daniels, marks a notable pivot for the high-profile event, steering it away from entertainment and toward a renewed emphasis on honoring journalism. With President Donald Trump back in the White House and the political climate as tense as ever, the move underscores the challenges of balancing tradition with the demands of a polarized era.
The WHCA dinner, set for April 26, has long been a marquee night in Washington, D.C., where journalists, politicians, and celebrities mingle to celebrate the work of White House correspondents. Historically, the event has leaned into its roast-style roots, with a featured comedian delivering sharp, often biting commentary aimed at the powerful figures in the room—most notably, the sitting president. But this year, the WHCA board has decided to break from that playbook. In a letter to members, Daniels explained the unanimous decision, writing, “At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists.”
This year’s @whca dinner will be hosted by a 2nd rate comedian who is previewing the event by calling this administration “murderers” who want to “feel like human beings, but they shouldn’t get to feel that way, because you’re not”
— Taylor Budowich (@Taylor47) March 29, 2025
What kind of responsible, sensible journalist… pic.twitter.com/tZCJS9fNOT
Amber Ruffin’s Exit: A Bold Choice Reversed
Initially, the WHCA had tapped Amber Ruffin to take the stage. Known for her razor-sharp wit as a writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers and as the host of Peacock’s The Amber Ruffin Show, Ruffin brought a distinct comedic voice to the table—one often laced with pointed political critique, particularly aimed at the Trump administration. Her selection signaled a willingness to embrace the dinner’s tradition of provocative humor, a nod to past performances like Michelle Wolf’s polarizing 2018 roast. But in today’s fraught political landscape, that boldness appears to have given way to caution.
Ruffin’s outspokenness may have played a role in the reversal. In a recent CNN interview with Jake Tapper, she didn’t mince words about Trump’s potential attendance, saying, “No one wants him to be there,” and calling it “bonkers” to pretend otherwise. Her history of skewering the former—and now current—president could have set the stage for a performance that risked amplifying division rather than bridging it, a concern the WHCA seems keen to avoid.
A Polarized Climate and a Presidential Wild Card
The timing of this decision is no coincidence. With Trump’s return to office, the WHCA dinner finds itself at a crossroads. During his first term, Trump famously boycotted the event, deriding it as “boring and so negative,” leaving the roasts to target an empty chair. Whether he’ll show up this time remains an open question, but his presence—or absence—looms large. The association’s choice to sideline comedy suggests a strategic recalibration, aiming to keep the spotlight on journalism rather than risk a lightning-rod moment that could dominate headlines for all the wrong reasons.
This isn’t the first time the WHCA has grappled with the dinner’s tone. The 2018 event, headlined by Wolf, sparked backlash for its unsparing jabs at the Trump administration and the media alike, prompting soul-searching about the balance between humor and divisiveness. Now, with the nation—and the press corps—navigating another Trump presidency, the WHCA appears to be playing it safe, prioritizing its mission over the potential for controversy.
Refocusing on Journalism’s Future
While the comedic spotlight dims, the WHCA is doubling down on its core purpose. The dinner will still serve as a platform to honor standout reporting by White House correspondents and to fund scholarships and mentorship programs for aspiring journalists. It’s a move that reflects the gravity of the moment for the industry, which faces declining trust, economic pressures, and an increasingly hostile political environment. By stripping away the entertainment layer, the WHCA is betting that a back-to-basics approach will resonate more than a night of laughs.
