Amber Ruffin calls out White House Correspondents’ Dinner firing in hilarious Late Night surprise appearance

NBC

Amber Ruffin broke her silence on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

The comedian explained what "journalism" is these days.

Cwnewser

Days after being dropped as the featured entertainer at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, comedian and writer Amber Ruffin made a surprise appearance on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers Monday night to respond to the controversy—with her signature satire and biting commentary. On Saturday, WHCA president Eugene Daniels sent a letter to White House reporters informing them of a “re-imagining” of the dinner, as he notified members that the comedy section of the annual event had been scrapped after a unanimous vote by the organization’s board.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

Host Seth Meyers, addressing the WHCA’s decision during his monologue, said, “I’m a big fan of Amber Ruffin, and I would’ve loved to hear what she had to say.”

Related: White House Correspondents' Dinner scraps Amber Ruffin's comedy routine, bowing to Trump administration

Ruffin then walked into frame to interrupt, mockingly embracing the rationale behind her removal. “See, Seth. The problem is, that’s divisive,” she said, parodying the WHCA’s explanation that the event should avoid “the politics of division.” “Take it from me. If there’s one thing I learned from this weekend, you have to be fair to both sides.”

In a bit that quickly became a scathing sendup of false equivalency, Ruffin “reframed” a fictional bodega robbery as an act of economic ingenuity. The burglar, she quipped, didn’t loot a cash register—he “received a microloan.” Setting fire to an ATM? “He bravely fought inflation.”

Trending stories

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Cowboys & Queens U.S. tour by Jane Hilton: A modern American dream

Bob the Drag Queen shades Mistress Isabelle Brooks’ weight loss: 'Girl, you have to get new pads'

Elton John broke down crying while writing new song 'about my death'

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Country star Tanner Adell comes out as pansexual

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

The Charles is Pacific Grove's new LGBTQ+ hotel

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

In 'Survival of the Thickest,' queer joy and activism are one and the same

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

Trans Day of Visibility meets MAGA? See this 'Drag Race' star's fierce stunt

Gerald Garth is keeping people of color happy and healthy through trying times

JD Vance ruthlessly mocked after everyone in Greenland refused to welcome wife Usha Vance

Country star Tanner Adell comes out, 'Yes, I'm pansexual'

Discover the power of Wellness in your life

Watch: In gay period romance 'Lilies Not For Me,' playful wrestling turns sensual (exclusive)

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

Watch Kelly Clarkson celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on her show

Season 4 of The Switch on resilience & radical self-love returns this spring

For us, by us: 15 great trans movies made by trans filmmakers

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

When Meyers objected that bad actions should be called out plainly, Ruffin leaned further into the satire: “When bad people do bad things, you have to treat them fairly and respectfully. When you watch The Sound of Music, you have to root for the singing children—and the other people.” Meyers replied, “You mean the Nazis?” Ruffin’s deadpan retort: “Calling them that is so divisive.”

She closed by joking that she had to return the dress she had planned to wear to the dinner. “I already took the tags off, but I’m going to just say they blew off in the wind,” she said. When Meyers called that lying, Ruffin countered: “You can’t say that. That’s journalism.”

Related: Amber Ruffin to headline 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. But, will Trump attend?

Ruffin’s appearance followed a storm of backlash to the WHCA’s decision to cancel the comedy portion of its annual dinner after public criticism from the Trump administration, including Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, who accused Ruffin of delivering “hate-filled and violence-inspiring” rhetoric on a podcast. The WHCA said the move was meant to re-center the dinner on journalism awards and scholarships but did not directly address the pressure campaign from the White House.

In February, Daniels praised Ruffin, who came out as queer in 2024, and described her as a “perfect fit” for the event. Her Late Night appearance marked her first public response.