At the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, former President Donald Trump cracked jokes and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not attending. He suggested that Harris might have come if the funds were directed to a bail fund, referencing her support for similar causes in 2020.
Trump and Melania Trump greeted guests like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson upon arriving at the event. Comedian Jim Gaffigan hosted the dinner, which has a long history of raising millions for charity and bringing together political leaders.
Trump expressed his surprise at Harris’s absence. He joked about her laugh, saying it would have added humor to the evening. On social media, he criticized her for skipping the event and claimed it might cost her support among Catholic voters.
Harris chose not to attend in person. Instead, she sent a pre-recorded video and participated in a comedy sketch with Molly Shannon. She focused her efforts on campaigning in Wisconsin, a decision that disappointed New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who highlighted the dinner’s purpose of unity and humor.
Attorney General Letitia James, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Governor Kathy Hochul were among the other notable attendees. Trump made a few self-deprecating jokes but said he preferred not to, as he felt he had been a target of criticism for years.
The dinner has remained a key event during election seasons since 1946, raising significant funds for charity. Trump has consistently attended since 2016, engaging in playful exchanges with figures like Hillary Clinton. Despite the light-hearted atmosphere, Trump’s criticism of Harris underscored ongoing political tensions as the election approaches. (Fox News)
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