Trump Criticizes Kamala Harris for Skipping Alfred E. Smith Dinner

Former President Donald Trump expressed surprise and disappointment over Vice President Kamala Harris’s absence at the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, labeling it a “terrible” decision. Speaking on “FOX & Friends,” Trump remarked on the importance of the event, which benefits charitable causes supporting women and children.

The Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner, founded in 1946, has raised millions for various charities and serves as a cultural hallmark of election seasons. Trump’s comments highlight the rarity of a candidate skipping such a significant bipartisan event. “Only one person missed it in many years and that’s Walter Mondale, and he lost 49-1,” Trump quipped, referencing the 1984 election results.

When asked why he believed Harris missed the dinner, Trump did not hold back. “I think she’s not competent,” he stated, adding, “We can’t have her as president; she’s a Marxist.” He criticized her absence, suggesting it reflected poorly on her readiness for leadership.

During the dinner, Trump made light of Harris’s decision to skip the event, joking, “I was shocked when I heard that Kamala was skipping the Al Smith dinner. I’d really hoped that you would come, because we can’t get enough of hearing her beautiful laugh.” He further teased, “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 have been here, guaranteed.”

New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who hosted the dinner, echoed Trump’s sentiments, noting the importance of unity and civility during the event. On his podcast, he remarked, “It’s a shame because the nature of the evening is to bring people together.”

In response to inquiries about her absence, the Harris campaign stated that the Vice President was concentrating on campaigning in the crucial battleground state of Wisconsin. Despite the missed opportunity for political levity, Harris’s team did not provide further comments about the event.

The Alfred E. Smith Dinner continues to be a pivotal moment in the election cycle, and Harris’s absence raises questions about campaign strategies and public engagement. As the political landscape evolves, both parties will likely scrutinize such decisions as they navigate the path to the upcoming election.