In brief
The annual White House correspondents' dinner sees a drop in comedic performance, as Amber Ruffin is removed from the lineup after criticism from the Trump administration.
In a surprising turn of events, the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) has decided to eliminate the headlining comedy act from this year's dinner, which is set to take place next month. Comedian Amber Ruffin, announced as the performer just last month, has been dropped amid rising tensions with the Trump administration. On Saturday, the WHCA communicated in a memo that the event's emphasis would be on celebrating the vital contributions of White House journalists, rather than delving into a "politics of division." This announcement follows targeted criticism from the White House regarding Ruffin's selection, with officials claiming that her previous jabs at President Donald Trump were inappropriate for the occasion. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff, labeled the WHCA’s decision a "cop out," expressing disdain on social media and criticizing Ruffin as "hate-filled." Ruffin, who has gained acclaim as an Emmy and Tony-nominated comedian, notably writes for NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, where she has recently parodied the president and his administration's actions, including a controversial order to rename the Gulf of Mexico.Relations between the WHCA and the Trump administration have been strained recently, highlighted by decisions to limit press access and control over press pool coverage of the presidency. The presence of Donald Trump at the upcoming correspondents' dinner remains uncertain, raising questions about guest entertainment—past headliners have included notable figures such as Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
