Comedian Amber Ruffin Expresses Hope That Trump Will Skip This Year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Comedian Amber Ruffin Expresses Hope That Trump Will Skip This Year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, comedian Amber Ruffin has voiced her hopes that former President Donald Trump will once again choose not to attend the event.

Ruffin’s Perspective on the Dinner

Ruffin, who serves as a writer for The Late Show with Seth Meyers, will headline the prestigious gathering in April. During an interview on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, she shared her thoughts on Trump’s potential attendance.

Strong Disapproval of Trump’s Attendance

When asked about her feelings regarding Trump at the dinner, Ruffin emphatically replied, “No! No one wants that.” While she acknowledged the event as an opportunity for entertainment, she expressed skepticism about Trump showing up, stating, “I can’t imagine he would.”

Missing Out on Presidential Traditions

Ruffin further elaborated, saying, “He should. He’s missing out on one of the cool things about being the President of the United States.” Yet, she added, “I don’t know that anyone’s looking forward to being in the same room as him.”

Trump’s Uncertain Plans

This year, Trump has not made any official announcement regarding his plans to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. The absence of his attendance has raised questions about the dynamics of the event, which typically serves as a platform for humorous banter between the president and the evening’s host.

A Historical Context

During the conversation with Tapper, a notable reference was made to Ruffin’s boss, Seth Meyers, who previously headlined the dinner in 2011. This particular event is remembered for Meyers’ sharp jokes directed at Trump, who was in attendance at that time.

Meyers famously quipped, “Donald Trump has been saying that he will run for president as a Republican, which is surprising because I just assumed he was running as a joke.” This moment is often cited as a catalyst for Trump’s eventual decision to enter the 2016 presidential race.

Joking About Meyers’ Impact

Ruffin humorously remarked, [Meyers] got us into this mess. It is his fault. If you’re looking for somebody to blame, blame my boss.” She went on to acknowledge the complexity of humor in the political arena, stating, “Ultimately, the joke’s on us, isn’t it?”

The Event’s Significance

The annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner draws a diverse crowd of politicians, journalists, and celebrities, and is known for its lighthearted tone and satirical performances. Typically, the evening features a blend of humor from the host and the seated president.

A Look Ahead

President Biden attended the dinner in 2022, 2023, and is set to join again in 2024, continuing a tradition that showcases the media’s relationship with the presidency.

As this year’s dinner approaches, the conversations surrounding Trump’s potential appearance add an intriguing layer to an event already steeped in a rich history of political satire and engagement.