Former President Donald Trump attended the annual Al Smith charity dinner Thursday, an event where politicians typically throw jabs at others but also make themselves the butt of the joke.
Vice President Kamala Harris skipped the dinner to campaign in Wisconsin and instead sent in a comedic video with comedian Molly Shannon . During his remarks, Trump went for Harris in jokes reminiscent of his insults against then-Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton .
The emcee of the evening was comedian Jim Gaffigan , who has spoken out against Trump in the past and plays Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz on " Saturday Night Live. "
Here are some of the zingers from the evening:
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Trump couldn't think of a self-deprecating joke: 'There's nothing to say'
Named after former New York Gov. Alfred E. Smith, the dinner benefits Catholic charities but is known for speakers making jokes about themselves and their political adversaries.
Trump teased that he would follow this tradition, and tell a "few self-deprecating" jokes.
But he quickly quipped: "Nope - I've got nothing ... there's nothing to say."
'These days it's really a pleasure anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance'
Trump, after thanking the hosts, said it was a pleasure to be there.
"These days it's really a pleasure anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance," he said, an apparent reference to his New York hush money trial where he was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Trump also poked fun at Mayor Eric Adams , who was recently indicted on corruption charges. After a string of acknowledgments and thanks to New York elected officials in attendance, he said, "Mayor Adams, good luck with everything, they went after you."
Trump slams White Dudes for Harris
"There's a group called White Dudes for Harris , have you seen this? Anybody know...doesn't sound like it," Trump said. "But I'm not worried about them because their wives and their wives' lovers are all voting for me."
White Dudes for Harris was one of several identity groups that organized virtual fundraising calls in the weeks after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. They raised more than $4 million during their kickoff call.
Lead organizer Ross Morales Rocketto leaned into the joke in a response on X , saying: "Think he’s gonna be surprised in November when we (and our wives lovers) elect Kamala Harris as our next president."
Host Jim Gaffigan might regret this joke after audience gasps
Gaffigan, an actor and comedian whose Catholic faith often comes up in his jokes, was the master of ceremonies for the dinner this year.
One of his jokes drew an audible gasp from the audience.
“During the first and only debate, President Trump talked about migrants taking cats and eating them. If you’re keeping track at home, this is the second time grabbing a kitty has been part of a campaign issue,” he said to gasps, groans and a few claps. "You know, I was gonna leave that out," he said after the room fell quiet.
Contributing: David Jackson
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trending moments from the Al Smith dinner: Trump quips about subpoena, jabs 'White Dudes for Harris'
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