Trump’s Al Smith Dinner Appearance Comes With “Ironic Twist,” Says Reporter

Former President Donald Trump’s appearance at the annual Al Smith dinner Thursday night is expected to bring an ironic twist, according to New York Times reporter and CNN political analyst Maggie Haberman. As someone who has covered Trump extensively, Haberman shared her insights into how the former president might approach the high-profile event, which raises money for charity.

Speaking on CNN’s The Situation Room with anchor Wolf Blitzer, Haberman explained that despite Trump’s usual disdain for elites, he is likely to use the opportunity to poke fun at those in the room. “It’s a mixed room politically, but it’s a pretty hospitable environment for Trump. The irony is it is filled with the kind of elites who he trashes all the time,” Haberman said.

According to Haberman, Trump is expected to “make all kinds of jokes at the expense of some of the people sitting in the room with him,” taking advantage of the dinner’s typically light-hearted tone to deliver barbed humor, as he has done in previous appearances. The Al Smith dinner traditionally brings together members of both political parties, and while it serves as a charitable event, it has also become known for its political jabs and pointed remarks.

Haberman added that Trump would likely take the opportunity to criticize Vice President Kamala Harris, as he has frequently done during his campaign rallies. “He’s probably going to say things about Kamala Harris that are similar to what he says on the campaign trail,” she noted. Trump’s rhetoric toward Harris has often been marked by sharp attacks and derogatory comments, and Haberman anticipates that this tone will carry over into the dinner.

Earlier in her interview with Blitzer, Haberman pointed out that Trump’s language in recent speeches and public appearances has become increasingly harsh. She described the former president’s rhetoric as growing “darker,” noting that Trump seems more “disoriented” and “angry” as his campaign continues. “It’s gotten much more apocalyptic, and he has gotten far less concerned about what threatening people might mean,” Haberman said, highlighting the shift in Trump’s tone compared to his previous campaigns.

As for Harris, who chose not to attend the event, Haberman dismissed any notion that skipping the dinner would have negative consequences for her. She emphasized that there would be “zero cost” for Harris in avoiding the high-profile gathering, especially considering the political atmosphere and the potential for inflammatory remarks from Trump.

Trump’s appearance at the Al Smith dinner, held in New York City, adds to the growing list of public events where the former president has used his platform to deliver biting comments and make political points, even in traditionally more relaxed settings. With the 2024 election looming, Haberman’s insights suggest that Trump’s rhetoric may continue to escalate, as he navigates both campaign stops and charitable events like this one.