This year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner will proceed without a featured entertainer, as announced by White House Correspondents’ Association president Eugene Daniels. The decision to cancel comedian Amber Ruffin’s performance at the April 26 gala was made to shift the focus on recognizing outstanding journalism and supporting scholarships for future journalists, Daniels explained in a note to WHCA members.
Some members of the White House team criticized the selection of Ruffin and suggested a reevaluation of sponsoring the event. However, Daniels defended the decision, stating that it was made unanimously by the WHCA board after weeks of planning to redefine the dinner tradition for this year.
As the event approaches, more details will be shared on how journalistic excellence will be honored and celebrated. The WHCA’s annual dinner is a key fundraising event that also supports scholarships for students. Past events have featured notable entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jay Leno, and Jon Stewart. In 2024, Colin Jost hosted the dinner, which also serves as a platform for sharp political commentary.
The WHCA is currently in disagreement with the White House on various issues, including restricting the Associated Press from certain news events and taking direct control over the press pool. Despite these challenges, the WHCA remains committed to promoting journalistic integrity and excellence in covering the most powerful office in the world.
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