Former President Donald Trump recently shared that Fox News staffers contributed to the preparation of his speech for the Al Smith charity dinner. The speech, known for its blend of humor and political jabs, included jokes targeting Vice President Kamala Harris, along with Trump’s reflections on his time in office.
In an interview on “Fox and Friends,” Trump discussed the origins of the speech, mentioning how Democrats often seek assistance from comedians or late-night talk show writers. He noted that, similarly, a few people from Fox News provided material for his remarks at the event. However, Trump acknowledged that he was not impressed with many of the suggested jokes, implying he relied mostly on his own instincts for the delivery.
Direct involvement from Fox News personalities in Trump’s campaign activities or speeches is uncommon, though many of them openly express support for the former president on their platforms. This contribution to speech preparation, while unusual, is not without precedent. In 2018, Fox News host Sean Hannity publicly campaigned with Trump ahead of the midterm elections, indicating close ties between Trump and certain figures at the network.
When contacted about Trump’s comments, Fox News did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
At the Al Smith dinner, Trump’s speech took a critical tone toward Vice President Harris. He questioned her intelligence, criticized her family, and expressed grievances about the way he was treated during his presidency. While the event’s audience—comprised of supporters from a Catholic charity—responded with occasional laughter and cheers, some of his more pointed remarks reflected Trump’s ongoing frustrations with the political establishment.
Harris, who did not attend the dinner in person, sent a pre-recorded video message instead. In her address, she emphasized themes of faith and unity, encouraging efforts to build a better future through belief in God and mutual support.
This speech adds to the history of Trump’s polarizing public appearances, where humor and political criticism often intertwine. His remarks at the Al Smith dinner serve as a reminder of both the deep divisions within American politics and the significant role media figures continue to play in shaping political narratives.
Fox News’ involvement in preparing Trump’s speech highlights the evolving relationship between media personalities and political leaders. While many network figures are vocal supporters of Trump’s policies and campaigns, contributing directly to his speeches marks a shift toward deeper engagement. The lack of immediate comment from Fox leaves questions about the extent of the network’s role unanswered.
As Trump continues to navigate the political landscape, this latest collaboration underscores the blurred lines between politics and media, raising new questions about how public figures influence each other behind the scenes.
