Trump Comments On Dinner
Former President Donald Trump took a direct swipe at Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday after learning she would skip the prestigious Al Smith Dinner in New York City this October.
The annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a longstanding Catholic fundraiser known for its tradition of playful political jabs, often features both major party nominees during presidential election years. Trump's criticism of Harris, however, went beyond her absence from the dinner, branding her as "anti-Catholic" and accusing her of fostering a hostile stance toward Catholics.
Trump wasted no time in highlighting the importance of the event. “It will be an honor to attend the SOLD OUT 79th ANNUAL AL SMITH DINNER,” he wrote on social media, referencing the dinner's ties to prominent Catholic figures like Cardinal Timothy Dolan and historical icons such as Al Smith, the first Catholic nominee for president, and John F. Kennedy, the first Catholic president. Trump's message conveyed reverence for the Catholic faith and its place in American politics, especially on such a symbolic night.
Harris, on the other hand, opted to remain on the campaign trail instead of attending the dinner. While her campaign noted that she would be focused on other pressing commitments, Trump's response was sharp and calculated. He framed her absence as more than a simple scheduling conflict, accusing her of harboring an “anti-Catholic” agenda.
He pointed to a series of what he called “anti-Catholic actions,” which included her role in attacks on religious organizations like the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Knights of Columbus, as well as her promotion of controversial policies.
One of Trump's central claims was Harris’s involvement in pushing for what he deemed unconstitutional attacks on the Knights of Columbus during judicial nomination hearings, calling it a “religious test” for Supreme Court justices.
Additionally, he pointed to the Biden-Harris Administration's decision to hold a "Transgender Day of Visibility" event at the White House on Easter Sunday as another example of what he described as disregard for Catholic values.
"Any Catholic that votes for Comrade Kamala Harris should have their head examined," Trump declared, escalating the rhetoric around Harris’s relationship with Catholic voters. He argued that the Democratic Party’s policies, particularly under the current administration, have been harmful to religious freedoms, especially for Catholics.
Despite the heated political exchange, Trump maintained that the Al Smith Dinner would still be a meaningful and successful event, raising significant funds for Catholic Charities. He ended his statement on a defiant note, claiming that even if Harris had chosen to attend, her “history of anti-Catholic actions” would have made it difficult for her to connect with the evening’s purpose.