This was a strange thing to say.
Amber Ruffin, the newly announced headliner for the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, recently made waves with her comments about former President Donald Trump. When asked during a CNN interview whether she wanted Trump to attend the high-profile event, Ruffin bluntly stated, “No one wants that.” Her remarks came as part of a broader conversation about the dinner, which will take place on April 26 in Washington, D.C.
Throughout his presidency, Trump notably skipped the annual dinner, which is a tradition for sitting presidents. In fact, during the 2019 event, he chose to hold a rally instead, famously describing the gathering as “boring and so negative.” His decision to skip the event that year was in line with his tendency to challenge the norms of Washington, D.C. culture, particularly when it came to media and political establishments.
The White House recently did not rule out Trump’s potential attendance this year. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump had received an invitation but had not yet made a decision on whether to attend. Leavitt expressed curiosity over the comedian chosen to headline the event, commenting, “Definitely an interesting choice of a comedian.”
Ruffin, known for her work on Late Night with Seth Meyers, has a reputation for speaking her mind and isn’t shy about her approach to the upcoming gala. She suggested that Trump’s presence at the dinner would not be warmly welcomed, implying that the majority of attendees would not be excited to share a room with him. She also emphasized her commitment to honesty in her comedic style, stating she would continue to “tell the truth about how I feel” while at the podium.
Despite the political tension surrounding the event, Ruffin’s perspective raises interesting questions about the current state of American political culture. As we continue to see division between political figures and media, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner serves as a reminder of the significant divide between establishment elites and the American people. Whether or not Trump chooses to attend, the event will undoubtedly reflect the growing divide and the discontent felt by many citizens, particularly those who are frustrated with Washington’s continued embrace of the status quo.