Sarah Travers
Former President Donald Trump revealed that staff members from Fox News had a hand in crafting his speech for the Al Smith charity dinner. Known for mixing humor with pointed political commentary, the speech included jokes directed at Vice President Kamala Harris and reflections on Trump’s presidency.
During an appearance on Fox & Friends, Trump discussed how the speech came together. He noted that it’s common for Democrats to seek help from comedians and writers, and likewise, several Fox News staffers contributed ideas for his address. However, Trump shared that he found many of the suggestions lacking, stating that he ultimately relied on his own instincts for much of the delivery.
While Fox News hosts often voice support for Trump on-air, direct involvement in his public addresses is relatively rare. Yet this instance isn’t entirely without precedent. In 2018, Sean Hannity, a prominent Fox News host, appeared with Trump at a rally, highlighting the close relationship between the former president and some media figures.
Fox News did not provide an immediate response when asked about their involvement in Trump’s speech preparations.
At the Al Smith dinner, Trump’s speech took a critical stance toward Vice President Harris. He questioned her competence, mocked aspects of her family, and expressed lingering frustration about the way he was treated while in office. The crowd, made up of supporters of the Catholic charity hosting the event, reacted with a mix of laughter and applause, though some moments reflected Trump’s ongoing tension with political elites.
Harris did not attend the event in person, opting instead to send a pre-recorded video. In her message, she focused on unity and faith, calling on attendees to embrace shared values and work toward a better future with belief in God.
Trump’s speech at the event underscores his continued use of humor and criticism to connect with audiences while challenging his political rivals. This appearance also highlights how media personalities influence political narratives, with Fox News figures playing an unexpected role in shaping the speech’s tone and content.
The involvement of Fox News in Trump’s speech preparation blurs the boundaries between media and politics, raising fresh questions about the influence journalists and pundits wield behind the scenes. As Trump remains active in shaping the political landscape, the collaboration exemplifies the growing intersection of political leadership and media strategy.
Whether this type of involvement will become more frequent remains unclear, as Fox News has yet to clarify its level of participation. This evolving relationship between media and politics suggests a shift toward deeper collaboration, reflecting the increasingly intertwined nature of these two spheres.
