Kamala Harris steps back into the political spotlight, criticising Trump’s administration and hinting at a possible return to politics in 2028 or California’s gubernatorial race

Kamala Harris, former U.S. Vice President, made a notable return to the political stage with a speech sharply criticising President Donald Trump. Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of Emerge, an organisation supporting Democratic women running for office, Harris lambasted Trump’s handling of tariffs, government cuts, and the broader direction of his administration, all coinciding with Trump’s 100-day milestone.

During her address in San Francisco, Harris acknowledged the significance of the 100-day mark, but quickly pivoted to express her dissatisfaction. “Instead of an administration advancing America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the abandonment of those ideals,” she remarked, pointing to Trump’s aggressive tariff policies and their damaging effects on the American public.

The former presidential candidate did not hold back in her criticisms, arguing that Trump’s administration was playing on fear as a tactic to control the public. “They are counting on the notion that fear can be contagious,” Harris said, before turning the message around: “But courage is contagious,” which resonated deeply with the audience.

Harris outlined the negative consequences of Trump’s tariffs, particularly how they were hurting workers and families by inflating the cost of daily essentials, draining retirement funds, and leading to layoffs in businesses. While Trump and his administration defend the tariffs as a necessary long-term strategy, Harris framed them as a short-sighted economic blunder that was already hurting the American people.

The former vice president also cast a critical eye on the broader agenda of the White House, describing it as a “high-velocity event” aimed at shrinking and privatizing government. She described it as a self-serving vision that prioritises the wealthy and punishes truth-tellers, leaving ordinary Americans to fend for themselves.

Harris then issued a rallying cry to Americans, urging them to be prepared to fight for democratic principles, especially if the system of checks and balances weakens. She made it clear that the political landscape was likely to worsen before it improved, but called on everyone to stay united. “We are not going to scatter. We are going to stand together,” Harris declared.

Her speech also hinted at a potential political comeback. While Harris has largely remained out of the public eye since leaving office, speculation is growing about her future ambitions. Sources close to her confirmed that she is considering a run for California governor in 2028, while some Democrats have even floated the idea of her re-entering the presidential race.

This public reemergence comes at a time when Trump has taken actions to revoke the security clearances of political adversaries, including Harris and her spouse, Doug Emhoff. In response to Trump’s moves, Harris continues to deliver messages that resonate with her base, pushing a populist vision that appeals to those who feel alienated by the current administration.

As Harris contemplates her next steps, her speech on Wednesday served as both a critique of the Trump administration and a potential preview of her own political ambitions.