Trump Slams Kamala Harris As ‘Anti-Catholic’ For Skipping Al Smith Dinner

Former President Donald Trump took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, accusing her of being “anti-Catholic” after she opted to skip the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York City this October. The annual fundraiser, a significant event for Catholic charities, traditionally features both major presidential candidates during election cycles, offering them a platform for some lighthearted humor and jabs at their opponents. Harris, however, will be notably absent this year.

Trump, a confirmed attendee for the sold-out October 17th event, expressed disappointment in Harris' decision to skip the dinner, accusing her of harboring disdain for Catholics. “It will be an honor to attend the SOLD OUT 79th ANNUAL AL SMITH DINNER on October 17th in New York,” Trump posted on social media. He added, “It’s sad, but not surprising, that Kamala has decided not to attend. I don’t know what she has against our Catholic friends, but it must be a lot.”

Harris’ campaign cited the need for her to focus on the campaign trail as the reason for skipping the event, making her the first candidate in decades to decline the invitation. This decision has not only sparked criticism but also prompted Trump to accuse the Biden-Harris administration of “persecuting” Catholics. In his post, Trump linked Harris to past actions that have fueled his accusations of anti-Catholic bias, such as her controversial stance on the Knights of Columbus during Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

“Catholics are literally being persecuted by this Administration,” Trump wrote, pointing to the Democrats’ legal battles with the Little Sisters of the Poor, a religious group that resisted Obamacare’s contraception mandate, and Harris’ questioning of judicial nominees who were affiliated with Catholic organizations like the Knights of Columbus. Trump referred to these moments as “religious tests” and called them a direct attack on Catholics.

Key issues raised by Trump’s criticism:

• Harris’ absence from the Al Smith dinner, breaking a longstanding tradition for presidential candidates, has been labeled by Trump as a snub to Catholics.

• Trump highlighted Harris’ past actions, including her attacks on the Knights of Columbus and the Biden administration’s clashes with The Little Sisters of the Poor, as evidence of anti-Catholic bias.

• Trump also took aim at the Biden-Harris administration for hosting a “Transgender Day of Visibility” on Easter Sunday, calling it an insult to religious Americans.

Trump’s sharp rebuke concluded with a call to Catholics to reconsider their support for Harris. “Any Catholic that votes for Comrade Kamala Harris should have their head examined,” he quipped, further warning of the “cruel war” he believes the Democrats have waged against religious freedoms.

While Harris will be missing from the event, Trump assured supporters that the night would still be a success for Catholic charities, underscoring the importance of the fundraiser. “Regardless, I will see everyone on October 17th, and we will have a GREAT night for Catholic Charities,” Trump said, concluding his post with one final jab: “It’s sad that Kamala doesn’t care about these good works, but with her history of anti-Catholic actions, she would have a hard time anyway!”

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the 2024 election.