Comedian Amber Ruffin set to perform at WH correspondents’ dinner fired day after sparking outrage

WASHINGTON, DC: Comedian Amber Ruffin was set to headline the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, but her role has been abruptly canceled.

The decision came just a day after she sparked controversy with comments about the Trump administration and criticism over balancing jokes across the political spectrum.

WHC says 'focus is not on the politics of division'

In a letter on Saturday, WHCA President Eugene Daniels, which is independent from the White House, said to its members it was “re-envisioning” the April 26 dinner, Daily Beast reported.

The first shared by CNN analyst Brian Stelter, Daniels explained the reasoning behind the change.

"The WHCA board has unanimously decided we are no longer featuring a comedic performance this year,” wrote Daniels.

“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," the letter revealed. 

Amber Ruffin’s remarks draw MAGA backlash

Before being dropped from the event, Amber Ruffin spoke on Thursday about being instructed by the WHCA to target both sides of the political spectrum in her performance on 'The Daily Beast Podcast'.

She rejected the idea, saying she would not cater to that expectation.

She told hosts comedian Samantha Bee and Beast Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles that the Trump administration is “kind of a bunch of murderers,” adding, “Playing to both sides makes them feel like human beings, but they shouldn’t get to feel that way, ‘cause they’re not.”

The comments quickly sparked outrage, particularly among conservative circles.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich had criticized Ruffin in a post just 14 hours earlier, calling her a “2nd rate comedian” and urging journalists to boycott the dinner, which he described as a “hate-filled and violence-inspiring event.”

However, The Wrap reported that, according to Brian Stelter, “this change was already in the works” and Budowich’s complaints did not influence the WHCA’s decision.

Internet reacts as WHCA ditches Amber Ruffin 

Following Amber Ruffin’s removal, reactions poured in across social media particularly on X.

Responses to Ruffin’s removal varied. Author Jeff Carlson wrote on X, “Breaking: Nobody cares about the WHCA.”

Czech tennis player Martina Navratilova reacted, “Gee, I wonder why… another capitulation in advance?”

Other users commented, “Rather than a roast, they’ll hold their own wake."

“Are they bringing someone funny instead?” asked one.

“This smells. Not sure I buy that canceling Ruffin was already in the works.” Another wrote, “That’s a shame; she’s so funny!”

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