Former President Donald Trump was the featured speaker at the annual Al Smith charity dinner held on Thursday night, which he attended eight years prior amid jeers while targeting his 2016 opponent, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Vice President Kamala Harris did not attend the dinner in person, opting to focus on her campaign efforts in pivotal battleground states where polling indicates a tight presidential race. However, she made a brief appearance via a recorded video message.
The prestigious white tie event in New York is known for raising millions for Catholic charities and traditionally allows candidates from both parties to exchange light-hearted jokes, demonstrating that they can coexist — or at least pretend to — during the election’s final phase.
Trump attended the dinner with his wife, Melania, making a rare public appearance together since the Republican convention in July. New York Mayor Eric Adams, who has faced legal challenges for alleged campaign finance violations, was also in attendance alongside former mayors and business leaders.
Notable guests included New York Governor Kathy Hochul, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and New York Attorney General Letitia James, who has pursued legal action against Trump for civil fraud. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently dropped his independent presidential bid and endorsed Trump, received applause as he entered with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan hosted the sold-out dinner, with tickets priced at $5,000 each, benefiting Catholic charities in New York.
During his speech, Trump acknowledged that he had “gone overboard” in his previous attacks on Clinton but then turned his focus to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who recently admitted to an extramarital affair. Trump suggested as advice for Harris: “Just keep him away” from the nannies.
Trump also took a jab at Mayor Adams regarding his alleged campaign finance issues and made a light-hearted comment about the assassination attempts against him, stating, “I just don’t see the point of taking shots at myself when other people have been shooting at me.”
In her video message, Harris was accompanied by comedian Molly Shannon, who referenced her famous Catholic schoolgirl character from “Saturday Night Live.” They shared playful banter about what topics should be avoided during the evening.
Gaffigan used humor to poke fun at both parties throughout the night. He commented on Trump’s remarks about migrants and questioned Harris’s absence, describing it as a missed opportunity for the Democratic nominee given the overwhelming presence of Catholics and Jews in attendance.
Trump responded to Harris’s decision not to attend by accusing her of being anti-Catholic in a social media post.
Eight years ago, Trump’s appearance and comments about Clinton at the dinner drew boos, contrasting his earlier jokes about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. His tone shifted dramatically as he leveled severe criticism at Clinton, prompting jeers from the crowd.
Trump also reflected on media biases against him, comparing the reactions to speeches by Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. Clinton, in her own remarks, made light of Trump’s views on the Statue of Liberty.
In 2020, both Trump and President Biden participated in a virtual version of the dinner, using the platform to connect with Catholic voters rather than delivering jokes.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who plays a significant role in the dinner, reminded attendees of the importance of graciousness in the electoral process.
The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, named after a former New York governor, has been a staple for presidential candidates since 1960, when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy first shared the stage, although the Archdiocese of New York did not invite both candidates in 1996 due to political disagreements.