Amber Ruffin mocks canceled White House Correspondents’ performance, says she’d have been “terrifically mean”

Comedian Amber Ruffin was originally touted to headline the 2025 White House Correspondents' Dinner in February. But more than a fortnight later, the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) ruled that her set should be axed and resolved instead to eschew any humorous performance entirely.

According to Consequence.net, she said,

"I thought when people take away your rights, erase your history, and deport your friends, you’re supposed to call it out,” she told in a more somber tone. But then another sudden about face, she joked that if she had been allowed to, she would have been "terrifically mean."

WHCA President Eugene Daniels said they would focus on celebrating journalists and remaining above "the politics of division." While Ruffin has made herself one to watch when it comes to sharp political humor, there has been no statement connecting her prior comments to the cancelation. According to USA Today and CBS News, the step is rare but not new.

People says that Daniels repeated that the move was done in a bid to promote journalism rather than polarizing politics at this "consequential moment for journalism."

She said,

"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."

Here's the podcast for your reference:

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Reason for cancellation

The WHCA’s decision to remove the comedic segment from the 2025 dinner was presented as part of a broader shift in focus. Daniels explained that the organization wanted to center the event around journalists and their contributions rather than political satire.

While Ruffin has become known for her biting political satire, there was no formal statement that connected her previous comments to the cancelation. According to USA Today and CBS News, the decision is a departure from convention, although not unprecedented. In 2019, the WHCA also chose not to feature a comedian at the event every year.

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Amber Ruffin's response

While visiting a podcast of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" previously, Amber stated that she would never alter her sense of humor to try to appeal to both parties of the political coin and called "kind of a bunch of murderers" to Trump's administrators. According to consequence.net, she said

"Look at your stupid head. You’re burned.’ I care, like, ‘You’re kind of a bunch of murderers."

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Historical context: The role of satire in political events

According to People and Black Enterprise, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has a history of using comedians to make sharp political observations. Although this is not the first time. The 2019 dinner skipped on a comedian as well, breaking with past practices.

This year's ruling underscores the continuing debate over balancing humor, journalism, and political discourse in major events. As the WHCA redefines the purpose of the dinner, future participation of satire as part of the event continues to be a question.

Also read: Comedian Amber Ruffin's performance at WHCA’s annual dinner has been canceled amid tensions with Trump administration