Former President Donald Trump showcased his comedic flair during the 79th Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City on Thursday evening.

His performance was filled with humor, as he delivered joke after joke, eliciting laughter from the audience and critics alike, who praised it as one of his funniest speeches to date.

The event, which took place at the New York Hilton Midtown, is a bipartisan political gathering that traditionally adds levity to the election season.

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The dinner, established in 1946, has raised millions of dollars for charities supporting women and children and is named after Al Smith, the first Catholic presidential candidate who served as the 42nd governor of New York.

This year’s dinner featured comedian Jim Gaffigan as the emcee.

Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the event just after 8 p.m., where they greeted various high-profile attendees, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

During his approximately 30-minute speech, Trump roasted several notable figures present at the dinner, including New York Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and even himself.

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One of the prominent topics of Trump’s humor was Vice President Kamala Harris, who notably did not attend the dinner.

This marked the first time since 1984 that a Democratic candidate skipped the event, a year when Ronald Reagan defeated Walter Mondale in the presidential race.

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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.”

In addition to targeting Harris, Trump made light of Joe Biden, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D), among others.

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Trump also fired jabs at Kamala’s running mate Tim Walz, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and New York Senator Chuck Schumer:

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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.

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.

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Full speech:

Critics and supporters have since reacted to Trump’s performance, highlighting how his ability to infuse humor into political commentary continues to engage audiences.

The Al Smith Dinner has long been a platform for candidates to showcase their personalities while raising funds for charitable causes, and this year was no exception.

As the 2024 election approaches, events like the Al Smith Dinner play a significant role in shaping public perception and candidate visibility.

Trump’s ability to navigate the political landscape with humor may serve him well as he seeks to rally support and contrast himself against his opponents.

The evening highlighted the enduring tradition of political satire and the unique role such events play in American political culture, further emphasizing the importance of personal connection and relatability among candidates.