Melania and Donald Trump look happy during rare public outing together at Al Smith charity dinner in NYC

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Donald Trump and Melania Trump were all smiles as they made a rare public appearance together at the prestigious Al Smith charity dinner in New York City.

The former president and former first lady, both dressed in black-tie attire, attended the event on Thursday night, October 17, with Trump serving as the keynote speaker for the evening, as per The Independent.

Donald Trump makes lighthearted joke about Melania Trump's book during Al Smith dinner speech

The Al Smith dinner, renowned for its mix of political humor and high-profile guest list, featured Donald Trump taking the stage to deliver a speech filled with his trademark quips and jabs.

Among the topics he addressed were his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, the legal troubles faced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and even Melania’s new memoir.

The event was one of the rare occasions Melania has appeared with her husband in public recently, adding to the night’s significance.

Despite a campaign trail that has been largely marked by Trump’s solo appearances, the former first lady’s presence was a rare treat for supporters and attendees alike.

Her attendance at the Al Smith charity dinner comes at a time when she has been promoting her memoir, 'Melania', which has gained significant attention for its outspoken defense of abortion rights.

The book offers a personal perspective that contrasts sharply with her husband's political stances, particularly Trump's pivotal role in the repeal of Roe v Wade, which had protected a woman’s right to abortion nationwide.

In the memoir, Melania wrote, “Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?”

She continued by emphasizing, “A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.”

Trump, never one to shy away from commenting on current events, made a lighthearted joke about his wife’s book during his speech.

“It just became number one on The New York Times list... It's not an easy thing to do, especially when your name is Trump,” he quipped.

Several high-profile politicians attend the Al Smith charity dinner

As anticipated, Donald Trump’s speech was filled with political jabs, with Vice President Kamala Harris being one of his primary targets.

Harris notably skipped the event, becoming the first major-party presidential candidate in decades to miss the Al Smith dinner.

Rather than attending in person, Harris sent a pre-recorded video featuring comedian Molly Shannon reprising her iconic character, Mary Katherine Gallagher, from 'Superstar'.

Trump wasted no time poking fun at Harris for her absence.

“I must say, I was shocked when I heard that Kamala was skipping the Al Smith dinner,” Trump remarked. “I’d really hoped that she would come because we can’t get enough of hearing her beautiful laugh. She laughs like crazy. We would recognize it any place in this room.”

He continued, “Instead of attending tonight, she’s in Michigan receiving communion from Gretchen Whitmer,” adding a sharp political jab directed at the Democratic governor.

Although Harris was absent, several other prominent politicians were in attendance, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Adams, who has recently faced legal troubles related to an alleged bribery plot, also became a target of Trump’s sharp humor.

Trump referenced Adams’ indictment with a smirk, reminding the audience of the mayor’s legal woes.

“These days, it’s really a pleasure anywhere in New York without a subpoena for my appearance,” Trump joked. “Anytime I don’t get a subpoena, I’m very happy.”

Among the other notable attendees was Robert F Kennedy Jr, who recently suspended his independent presidential campaign and endorsed Trump.

Kennedy, who attended the dinner alongside his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, has been making headlines of his own in recent weeks due to a personal scandal involving journalist Olivia Nuzzi.