Melania Trump Attends Al Smith Dinner with Donald Trump
Melania Trump to Attend Al Smith Dinner
Melania Trump will accompany former President Donald Trump to the Al Smith dinner in New York City on Thursday, two sources confirmed to NBC News. The former first lady has stayed off the campaign trail for much of the 2024 race. The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July was the last event where she publicly joined her husband in political activities.
One source noted that Melania decided to attend the dinner because “it’s tradition,” suggesting this could signal a return to more political engagements.
Annual Event Details
The Al Smith dinner is a philanthropic event benefiting Catholic charities, boasting a $5,000-per-plate cost. Historically, it has attracted presidential nominees across party lines since the 1960s. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris will not be present at the dinner, which has frustrated Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who sought to persuade her to change her campaign schedule. However, she will send a recorded message to attendees.
Melania's Memoir and Stance
Melania Trump’s attendance aligns with the promotion of her new book, “Melania,” which has sparked discussions about her views on abortion. She emphasizes the importance of autonomy in such decisions, a stance that contrasts with her husband’s views. In a recent interview, she highlighted “individual freedom” and her belief in making personal choices without government interference.
The Al Smith dinner is typically marked by humor, allowing candidates to poke fun at one another. In 2016, Donald Trump entertained the audience with jokes about campaign experiences, though he also faced backlash for comments about Hillary Clinton.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.