Originally published at National Catholic Register
Editor’s Note: On Oct. 17, 2024, just ahead of the Al Smith Dinner in New York City, Republican nominee for president Donald Trump spoke with Raymond Arroyo on EWTN’s The World Over. Please find the full transcript of the interview below.
Mr. President, I’m delighted, first of all, that you made the Downton Abbey auditions. I think we’re going to fit in nicely. We’re at the Al Smith Dinner, of course. Tell me, why did you decide it was important to be here? And what message is Kamala Harris sending by not being here to Catholic voters?
Well, I think you’re honoring the Catholic Church. And, you know, I’ve been a longtime supporter, and I’m surprised she’s not here. I think she’s the first one in many, many decades, actually, to miss it as a candidate. It has always been a tradition. So I’m happy only that the Catholics are going to vote for Trump now. But no, look, I have a special relationship with the Catholic Church, and I think it was very important to be here.
I’ve been noticing on your social-media posts, at your rallies, you’re playing Ave Maria, you’re posting “Happy birthday, Mary”; a St. Michael
