Plans to Feature Comedian Amber Ruffin At Annual Dinner White House Dinner Cancelled

The White House Correspondents’ Association has cancelled plans to have comedian Amber Ruffin perform at its annual dinner on April 26.

“The WHCA board has unanimously decided we are no longer featuring a comedic performance this year. 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,” WHCA president Eugene Daniels wrote to members, according to CNN media analyst Brian Stelter.

President Donald Trump will not be attending the dinner. Ruffin had told Jake Tapper “no one” wanted Trump to attend.

When the performance was announced on Feb. 4, Daniels said in a statement, “When I began to think about what entertainer would be a perfect fit for the dinner this year, Amber was immediately at the top of my list.”

Tensions have escalated between the WHCA and the White House, as the Trump administration has consistently attacked the press. The White House announced it would take over organization of the rotating press pool covering the president, a task historically undertaken by the association, and has barred The Associated Press from events.

Source: Variety