The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has announced that comedian Amber Ruffin will headline as the featured entertainer for this year’s annual Correspondents’ Dinner on April 26. Ruffin, known for her often politically charged commentary, was selected for the coveted role despite her outspoken progressive views.
Known for her constant anti-Trump rhetoric, Ruffin’s social media presence is packed with critical comments about the former president, along with content on topics like race and queer identity. Prior to Trump’s inauguration, she mocked rapper Nelly for performing at the Liberty Ball, using it as an opportunity to make a jab at Trump’s presidency, demonstrating what the WHCA can expect during this year’s dinner.
Politico’s Eugene Daniels, president of the WHCA, expressed excitement about the decision, explaining that Ruffin was his top choice for the event. “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,” Daniels said. He described Ruffin as having a “unique ability” to blend “blistering commentary and humor” that will challenge and entertain the audience, insisting that she provokes thought while delivering laughs. Daniels believes her perspective aligns well with the dinner’s tradition of roasting both the powerful and the journalists who cover them.
It’s worth noting that Politico has come under fire for receiving millions in taxpayer dollars in government-funded subscriptions for federal employees, raising questions about journalistic integrity and objectivity, though the Trump administration has put them on the chopping block.
One of the most memorable moments of Ruffin’s public commentary about Trump came in 2020 when she released a satirical jazz song titled “I Don’t Wish Him Well,” which aired after the election.
The lyrics describe a series of misfortunes she hopes he would encounter, including facing jail time, having his wealth stripped away in a divorce, and being “beaten by kids that he kept in a cage,” though she made no acknowledgment of the Obama-Biden administration having the same practices.
Given Ruffin’s history, it’s almost a certainty that the president will be a focal point of her remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. However, it’s unlikely Trump will be in attendance to hear her jabs firsthand. Throughout his first presidency, Trump consistently skipped the annual event, avoiding the glitzy dinner where politicians, journalists, and celebrities traditionally gather to roast each other.
For many, Ruffin represents a class of comedians that have prioritized preaching their political views over actual humor, appealing to a narrow audience of her ideological allies while alienating moderates, conservatives and even other progressives that value entertainment.
READ NEXT: White House Correspondent Faces Backlash Over Outfit Choices
Ruffin like politico and msm need to just dry up and go away, and probably will now that the government is not funding them.
Hope the smart republicans or some democrats (maybe) stay home that night. Why give the stage to a Trump antagonist.
F*** this b*tch! I don’t want my taxpayer money going to this racist Clown!