'Courting a downturn': Kamala Harris criticizes Trump on economy, democracy as she returns to public eye
Harris issued her strongest criticism of Trump’s potential second term in a speech addressed to hundreds of Democratic donors in San Francisco.
TroibNews 
SAN FRANCISCO — On Wednesday, Kamala Harris made her return to the national spotlight and issued a potent call to action, encouraging Americans to push back against what she characterized as President Donald Trump’s damaging economic policies and his threats to democracy.
In her most comprehensive remarks since her defeat to Trump, the former vice president criticized his trade policies, his refusal to comply with federal court rulings, and his attempts to cut funding for various federal programs.
“It’s an agenda, a narrow, self-serving vision of America where they punish truth tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone to fend for themselves," she stated Wednesday night. "All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world.”
Harris described Trump's fluctuating tariffs as the “greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history,” holding them responsible for the increasing prices of household goods, dwindling retirement accounts, and a contracting job market. She cautioned that these tariffs are “clearly inviting a recession.”
Her remarks about Trump, made before a gathering of Democratic donors in a San Francisco ballroom—where she began her political journey over two decades ago—marked her second public appearance in California in just a few weeks. With speculation surrounding her potential candidacy for governor next year or a renewed presidential bid in 2028 following her past defeat, her speech drew attention.
Although her criticism of Trump was sharp, Harris’ address retained the characteristics of a traditional political speech, complete with a meticulously planned delivery and a strategy aimed at demonstrating how Trump has not improved the lives of average Americans. Her comments offered few new insights regarding her vision for either the party or the state, and barely hinted at her own political future.
Having maintained a relatively low profile since her Washington tenure, Harris has generated significant speculation among political observers regarding her public appearances. At a recent national conference of Black women in Orange County, she asserted that she was “not going anywhere.”
In addition to her involvement in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race that highlighted Elon Musk’s political influence, she has also been seen at the NAACP Image Awards, Broadway performances, and the occasional NBA game. Over Easter weekend, she drew a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers during a church service in Inglewood, signaling her strong support within crucial Democratic demographics.
Harris spoke in a lavish ballroom at the Palace Hotel, serving as the keynote speaker for a gala organized by Emerge America, a candidate training program that supports Democratic women. She elaborated on her theme of "courage is contagious" from earlier speeches, rallying Democrats to unite against what she deemed the president’s unconstitutional power grab.
She praised notable party figures from recent months, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for engaging restless progressives with their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, as well as Cory Booker for his extensive Senate speech and Sen. Chris Van Hollen for his efforts to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S., stating they “in different ways, have been speaking with moral clarity about this moment.”
Addressing the president and Republicans, she said, “They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. What they’ve overlooked is that fear isn’t the only thing that’s contagious. Courage is contagious.”
Harris warned that the country is facing a “constitutional crisis,” expressing concern that “the checks and balances on which we have historically relied are beginning to buckle.”
Harris has long been associated with Emerge America; her 2003 victory over an incumbent San Francisco district attorney is seen as a significant influence on the organization. Many of the leaders she has closely mentored, including Rep. Lateefah Simon, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, and former San Francisco Mayor London Breed, have emerged from Emerge.
Receiving a rock star welcome, Harris was met with thunderous applause from her hometown supporters. However, her strategy to convert this goodwill into a future political role remains unclear.
Harris aims to decide by late summer whether she will run for California governor, pursue the presidency again, or choose not to run at all. Political insiders speculate that her heightened visibility in the state may indicate her intention to enter the gubernatorial race.
Brian Brokaw, a consultant and former aide to Harris, noted that she faces the challenge of criticizing Trump’s policies without rehashing the 2024 election. He believes Harris can successfully manage this balance, praising her ability to convey a message through nonverbal cues and strategic timing.
“There’s an art to recognizing where we are, reading the room and articulating a different vision,” Brokaw stated, “and doing so in a way that doesn’t necessarily shame people for an election that is behind us.”
As a major contender in the crowded gubernatorial race, her potential candidacy could have significant implications. Former Rep. Katie Porter, a prominent candidate, acknowledged that Harris would create a “near field-clearing effect” that could deter other hopefuls from running. While some candidates, like Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra, have declared their intention to stay in the race, others are developing contingency plans for alternative positions.
Meanwhile, major donors are largely holding back as they await clarity in the race, leading to a stagnant fundraising environment and increasing impatience among candidates eager for Harris to declare her intentions.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
In her most comprehensive remarks since her defeat to Trump, the former vice president criticized his trade policies, his refusal to comply with federal court rulings, and his attempts to cut funding for various federal programs.
“It’s an agenda, a narrow, self-serving vision of America where they punish truth tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone to fend for themselves," she stated Wednesday night. "All while abandoning allies and retreating from the world.”
Harris described Trump's fluctuating tariffs as the “greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history,” holding them responsible for the increasing prices of household goods, dwindling retirement accounts, and a contracting job market. She cautioned that these tariffs are “clearly inviting a recession.”
Her remarks about Trump, made before a gathering of Democratic donors in a San Francisco ballroom—where she began her political journey over two decades ago—marked her second public appearance in California in just a few weeks. With speculation surrounding her potential candidacy for governor next year or a renewed presidential bid in 2028 following her past defeat, her speech drew attention.
Although her criticism of Trump was sharp, Harris’ address retained the characteristics of a traditional political speech, complete with a meticulously planned delivery and a strategy aimed at demonstrating how Trump has not improved the lives of average Americans. Her comments offered few new insights regarding her vision for either the party or the state, and barely hinted at her own political future.
Having maintained a relatively low profile since her Washington tenure, Harris has generated significant speculation among political observers regarding her public appearances. At a recent national conference of Black women in Orange County, she asserted that she was “not going anywhere.”
In addition to her involvement in a Wisconsin Supreme Court race that highlighted Elon Musk’s political influence, she has also been seen at the NAACP Image Awards, Broadway performances, and the occasional NBA game. Over Easter weekend, she drew a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers during a church service in Inglewood, signaling her strong support within crucial Democratic demographics.
Harris spoke in a lavish ballroom at the Palace Hotel, serving as the keynote speaker for a gala organized by Emerge America, a candidate training program that supports Democratic women. She elaborated on her theme of "courage is contagious" from earlier speeches, rallying Democrats to unite against what she deemed the president’s unconstitutional power grab.
She praised notable party figures from recent months, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for engaging restless progressives with their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, as well as Cory Booker for his extensive Senate speech and Sen. Chris Van Hollen for his efforts to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S., stating they “in different ways, have been speaking with moral clarity about this moment.”
Addressing the president and Republicans, she said, “They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. What they’ve overlooked is that fear isn’t the only thing that’s contagious. Courage is contagious.”
Harris warned that the country is facing a “constitutional crisis,” expressing concern that “the checks and balances on which we have historically relied are beginning to buckle.”
Harris has long been associated with Emerge America; her 2003 victory over an incumbent San Francisco district attorney is seen as a significant influence on the organization. Many of the leaders she has closely mentored, including Rep. Lateefah Simon, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, and former San Francisco Mayor London Breed, have emerged from Emerge.
Receiving a rock star welcome, Harris was met with thunderous applause from her hometown supporters. However, her strategy to convert this goodwill into a future political role remains unclear.
Harris aims to decide by late summer whether she will run for California governor, pursue the presidency again, or choose not to run at all. Political insiders speculate that her heightened visibility in the state may indicate her intention to enter the gubernatorial race.
Brian Brokaw, a consultant and former aide to Harris, noted that she faces the challenge of criticizing Trump’s policies without rehashing the 2024 election. He believes Harris can successfully manage this balance, praising her ability to convey a message through nonverbal cues and strategic timing.
“There’s an art to recognizing where we are, reading the room and articulating a different vision,” Brokaw stated, “and doing so in a way that doesn’t necessarily shame people for an election that is behind us.”
As a major contender in the crowded gubernatorial race, her potential candidacy could have significant implications. Former Rep. Katie Porter, a prominent candidate, acknowledged that Harris would create a “near field-clearing effect” that could deter other hopefuls from running. While some candidates, like Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra, have declared their intention to stay in the race, others are developing contingency plans for alternative positions.
Meanwhile, major donors are largely holding back as they await clarity in the race, leading to a stagnant fundraising environment and increasing impatience among candidates eager for Harris to declare her intentions.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
