Trump proclaims “I love the Italian people” at the annual Italian-American Gala

In a previously recorded video, Trump expressed his gratitude and sympathy for Italian Americans and briefly mentioned the elections. The former president told the crowd: “We have to save our country” and encouraged people to “get out and vote.”

“It’s a great group. I have so many friends in your audience right now,” Trump said. “It is an honor for me to greet you, and I am with the people of Italy. I love Italians.”

“I don’t know what it is exactly, but whatever it is, you’ve got me. But we are together all the time. I just looked at the polls and we’re doing incredibly well. It looks like we’re going to make it,” Trump said.

“We have to save our country. “I hope everyone will go out and vote,” Trump said.

Trump’s video was part of the gala festivities. NIAF also showed a video clip of President Joe Biden and the first lady Jill Biden With reception at the White House earlier this month in which they honored October as Italian-American Heritage Month.

“The most important lesson I learned in their kitchen was that if you are an Italian American, there is always room at the table for one more chair, enough toast to feed one more guest, enough room in our hearts to make another friend could become like a family,” the first lady said in the recording.

Later, the president and first lady also thanked NIAF for helping the organization welcome and work with Italians and Italian Americans.

“I am also grateful to the National Italian American Foundation,” Jill Biden said.

NIAF is a non-profit organization with no political affiliations. It was founded in 1975 and is “the largest and most loyal representative of the more than 20 million Italian American citizens living in the United States.” Its mission is “to celebrate and promote the inspiring achievements and uplifting values ​​of Italian culture and presence in America and to strengthen and strengthen the bond between the United States and Italy,” according to a press release from the gala.

The event was attended by Italian-American politicians, including the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy and former Governor of New York. Andrew Cuomowho earlier in the day participated in a panel discussion hosted by NIAF with Trump’s former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway. McCarthy was one of the winners at this year’s gala. The dinner was hosted by comedian Joe Piscopo and a journalist Maria Bartiromo.

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Trump’s message aired late in the evening before McCarthy delivered his remarks. He ended his video by wishing everyone present a good time.

“Italians are very, very special,” Trump said. “You are my friends. (I have) so many friends in the audience. Have fun. This is your gala dinner. You deserve it.