Donald Trump was deeply unhappy with Kamala Harris’ decision to send a video message to the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York on Thursday night instead of showing up in person as he did.
The vice president sent a pre-recorded skit to the Catholic charity event—where presidential candidates traditionally mock themselves and each other—featuring Molly Shannon playing her Catholic schoolgirl character from Saturday Night Live, Mary Katherine Gallagher. Trump, meanwhile, used his time to deliver his own profanity-laced prepared remarks which featured a rehashing of his favorite grievances and attacks on his political enemies.
“Just found out that Lyin’ Kamala is doing a video message tonight instead of being at the Al Smith Dinner,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Thursday night. “She shouldn’t be allowed to do a video message. Kamala should be there like almost every other Presidential Candidate in their History, except Walter Mondale, who lost 49-1.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“They didn’t give me the option of a video message, nor would I have done it,” Trump added. “This is very disrespectful to everyone involved. She should be here, or lose the Catholic Vote!”
Trump also remarked on Harris’ absence during his speech at the dinner.
“I must say I was shocked when I heard that Kamala was skipping the Al Smith Dinner,” Trump said. “I’d really hope that she would come because we can’t get enough of hearing her beautiful laugh. She laughs like crazy. We would recognize it any place in this room.”
He went on to say that “all polls are indicating I’m leading big with the Catholic vote, as I should be.” Trump has previously insulted Catholics supporting Harris by claiming they “should have their head examined”—a line he’s also used about Blacks, Hispanics, Jews, and seniors who don’t vote for him.
The Republican nominee said that Harris is not giving up on winning Catholic support. “Instead of attending tonight, she’s in Michigan receiving Communion from Gretchen Whitmer,” Trump joked. The gag referred to the state’s Democratic governor who apologized last week for a TikTok video—in which she fed a Dorito chip to a kneeling podcaster—which Catholic groups criticized as mocking the Eucharist.
