Harris Will Skip Al Smith Charity Dinner, Trump to Attend

Kamala Harris will become the first presidential candidate since 1984 to turn down an invitation to the white-tie event.

(Left) Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, answers questions during a moderated conversation with members of the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 2024. (Right) Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, holds a campaign event in Flint, Mich., on Sept. 17, 2024. Win McNamee, Scott Olson/Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced she will not attend the Al Smith charity dinner this year, breaking with a tradition that goes back to 1960. Former President Donald Trump says he will attend the event.

A Harris campaign official confirmed she will skip the dinner to focus on campaigning in battleground states.