Donald Trump’s attempt at humor during a prestigious gathering left many in the audience feeling uncomfortable and silent, proving once again that his brand of comedy might only be amusing when others are mocking him rather than laughing alongside him.
The 79-year-old former president had a notably rough time with his comedic performance at the annual black-tie dinner hosted by the Alfalfa Club in Washington, D.C., an exclusive social circle known for including some of the most influential individuals around the globe, as reported by the Washington Post. Founded in 1913 to honor Confederate general Robert E. Lee, this club now boasts members such as billionaires Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett, alongside Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and former President George W. Bush. Other prominent attendees include Jerome Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve—whom Trump is currently scrutinizing—and David Rubenstein, the financier who Trump removed from his position as head of the Kennedy Center last year.
During his set, Trump attempted to deliver jokes about controversial topics like plans to invade Greenland and military action against Iran, but these remarks failed to land well with the audience. According to eyewitnesses, he started his roast-style routine by saying, "So many people in the room I hate. Most of you I like," which prompted puzzled reactions. One attendee reportedly wondered, “Who in the hell thought this was going to happen?”
In his satire on international affairs, Trump whimsically suggested, "We’re not going to invade Greenland. We’re going to buy it. It’s never been my intention to make Greenland the 51st state. I want to make Canada the 51st state. Greenland will be the 52nd state. Venezuela can be 53rd.” This lighthearted yet contentious commentary did not elicit the chuckles he anticipated.
He also took aim at Kevin Warsh, his choice to replace Powell as Fed chair, jokingly threatening to take legal action if interest rates did not decrease. Warsh, married to billionaire heiress Jane Lauder, has connections to Trump through recommendations about acquiring Greenland made by his father-in-law during Trump’s first term in office.
Mitt Romney, the former presidential candidate, also found himself in Trump’s crosshairs, being labeled a "left-winger." However, rather than laugh at the jibe, the audience applauded Romney, showcasing a collective defiance against Trump’s barbs. Trump didn’t stop there; he aimed jokes at Joe Biden and Senator Elizabeth Warren, and even mentioned his lavish White House ballroom—none of which seemed to resonate positively with the crowd, according to various reports.
Trump also referenced First Lady Melania Trump, making a quip about her documentary, suggesting, "When she gets mad at me, it’s like being at Davos all over again," drawing upon his past tensions with NATO allies regarding his Greenland aspirations.
The following Monday, the Democratic National Committee criticized Trump for attending such an elite event while many Americans are grappling with economic hardships. They remarked, "Donald Trump promised to ‘Drain the Swamp,’ but here he is dining with his billionaire buddies and wealthy donors. Grocery costs are at an all-time high, rent prices are soaring, the labor market is shedding jobs at a breakneck pace, and everyday Americans are struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Trump is attending ritzy fundraisers, fixating on his ‘complete rebuilding’ of the Kennedy Center, and building his $400 million gilded ballroom."
Historically, the Alfalfa Club has welcomed U.S. presidents. For example, Barack Obama once joked during his appearance in 2012, "One of my big goals this year was to get out and be among everyday, ordinary Americans…like the men and women of the Alfalfa Club." Bill Clinton notably boycotted the club until it admitted its first female members in 1994.
The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for further comment on this event.
