Comedian and writer Amber Ruffin is no longer headlining the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Dinner—and neither is anyone else.

In a surprising shakeup, the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has decided to scrap the comedian portion of its annual star-studded event, stepping away from a decades-long tradition that brought political satire and laughs to Washington’s most high-profile media night. The move cancels previously announced plans for Ruffin to perform at the April 26 dinner.

WHCA President Eugene Daniels broke the news in an email to members over the weekend, stating the board unanimously voted to go without a comedian this year. 

“At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division, but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists,” Daniels wrote.

RELATED: Without Black People, Television Would Have No Flavor

The decision comes just weeks after Daniels praised Ruffin as “the ideal fit for this current political and cultural climate.” Her reps have yet to respond to requests for comment.

While not unprecedented, the 2019 dinner also passed on a comic, opting instead for historian Ron Chernow. Previous headliners have included Roy Wood Jr., Trevor Noah, and others, whose routines often mixed sharp wit with commentary on politics and the press.

Whether or not former President Trump will make an appearance remains unclear. During his presidency, he skipped every dinner, once hosting a political rally in Wisconsin instead. His current press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has already confirmed that she will not be attending.

Ruffin has yet to respond publicly about the cancellation.