Former President Donald Trump showcased his comedic side at the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City on Thursday evening, delivering a lively, joke-filled speech that had the crowd in stitches. Known for its lighthearted tone, the annual event served as a perfect platform for Trump’s sharp wit, and many praised his performance as one of his most entertaining speeches to date.
Held at the New York Hilton Midtown, the dinner is a longstanding bipartisan tradition that injects humor into the election season. The event, established in 1946, honors Al Smith, the first Catholic presidential candidate and a former governor of New York, and has raised millions of dollars for charities benefiting women and children. This year’s gathering featured comedian Jim Gaffigan as the emcee, adding to the evening’s comedic atmosphere.
Trump, accompanied by former First Lady Melania Trump, arrived shortly after 8 p.m., mingling with a room full of high-profile guests, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. During his roughly 30-minute speech, Trump humorously took aim at a range of prominent figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and even poked fun at himself.
A notable subject of Trump’s jokes was Vice President Kamala Harris, who was absent from the event. Her absence marked the first time a Democratic candidate skipped the dinner since 1984, when Ronald Reagan defeated Walter Mondale in the presidential race.
Trump quipped, “If you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, I guess you should have told her the funds were going to bail out the looters and rioters in Minneapolis, and she would’ve been here guaranteed.”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "But if you really wanted Vice President Harris to accept your invitation, I guess you should have told her the funds were going to bail out the looters and rioters in Minneapolis and she would've been here guaranteed." pic.twitter.com/sRBNMBOKgJ
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Joe has almost disappeared from view. The only way he could be seen less is if he had a show on CNN." pic.twitter.com/LCFpprxxzs
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I hear that Kamala and her husband carve out some really beautiful alone time at the end of the day for an intimate dinner. Just Doug, her, and the teleprompter." pic.twitter.com/l2r5OqTPX8
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "All polls are indicating I’m leading big with the Catholic vote, as I should be, but I don’t think Kamala has given up yet. Instead of attending tonight, she’s in Michigan receiving communion from Gretchen Whitmer." pic.twitter.com/T8NAHcRnPm
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "I used to think Democrats were crazy for saying that men have periods. But then I met Tim Walz." pic.twitter.com/Vl92TQnfbh
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Well, I had better wrap up, because Mayor Adams told me earlier that I needed to make this one very quick… the city has reserved this room for a large group of illegal aliens coming in from Texas." pic.twitter.com/czyeloOzYs
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Chuck Schumer is here looking very glum — But look on the bright side, Chuck, considering how woke your party has become, if Kamala loses, you still have a chance to become the first woman president." 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/BjPY3YtcrZ
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 18, 2024
His jabs at the current administration and Democratic officials resonated with the audience, underscoring the event’s tradition of blending political discourse with humor.
In contrast to Trump’s live appearance, Kamala Harris opted to send a pre-recorded video message, which has drawn scrutiny and speculation about her absence.
NEW: Kamala Harris releases her pre-recorded video for the Al Smith dinner in New York that she didn't show up for.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan made fun of the Vice President after the crowd gave a dismal applause once it ended.
Cringe. pic.twitter.com/9dvsYQub9h
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 18, 2024
Trump’s jests at Harris’s expense, along with other political figures, fueled further commentary on her decision not to participate in the charity dinner.
Full speech:
President Trump's FULL Set at the #AlSmithDinner pic.twitter.com/1oawf29tJq
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) October 18, 2024
Critics and supporters alike have responded to Trump’s performance, noting how his skill in blending humor with political commentary continues to captivate audiences. The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner has long served as a stage where candidates can reveal a lighter side while raising money for charitable causes, and this year was no different.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, events like the Al Smith Dinner play a crucial role in shaping public perception and increasing candidate visibility. Trump’s ability to inject humor into his political message could prove advantageous as he works to rally support and distinguish himself from his rivals.
The evening underscored the lasting tradition of political satire and highlighted the unique role such gatherings play in American political culture. It further emphasized the importance of personal connection and relatability, qualities that resonate with voters and shape the dynamics of electoral campaigns.
