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Former Vice President Kamala Harris made a strong return to the political arena with an impassioned speech on Wednesday night, sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s actions during its initial 100 days in office.
In her first public address since leaving office, Harris expressed deep concern over the direction of American ideals, stating, “We are seeing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals” in reference to President Donald Trump’s agenda.
During her speech, Harris noted the significance of the timing, coinciding with the 100-day mark after Trump’s inauguration. She remarked, “Tonight’s event happens to coincide with the 100 days after the inauguration, and I’ll leave to others to give a full accounting of what has happened so far. But I will say this. Instead of the administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals.”
Harris faulted Trump for promoting a narrow and self-serving vision of America, claiming his policies threaten to bring about a constitutional crisis in the nation.
She stated that the Trump administration has ushered in chaos, particularly through its tariff policies. Harris accused Trump of being the architect of what she described as “the greatest manmade economic crisis in modern presidential history,” a stark warning about the implications of his approach.
Beyond economic concerns, Harris contended that the Trump administration has pursued a deliberate strategy to undermine the foundations of American democracy.
“Some people are describing what has been happening in recent months as absolute chaos, and of course, I understand why, and it’s certainly true of those tariffs,” she specified. “But friends, please let us not be duped into thinking everything is chaos.”
Harris elaborated on her point, saying, “What we are witnessing is a high-velocity event, where a vessel is being used for the swift implementation of an agenda that has been decades in the making. An agenda to slash public education, shrink government, and privatize its services, while providing tax breaks to the wealthiest among us.”
Continuing her critique, Harris argued that the current administration’s vision of America is troubling. She said, “Right now, we are living in their vision for America. It’s an agenda, a narrow, self-serving vision of America where they punish truth tellers, favor loyalists cashing in on their power, and leave everyone to fend for themselves, all while abandoning allies and retreating from the world.”
Harris also condemned the Trump administration’s immigration policies, highlighting the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged MS-13 gang member. She asserted, “It is not okay to detain and to disappear American citizens or anyone without due process,” emphasizing the importance of civil liberties in her speech.
The former vice president commended congressional Democrats for their resistance against Trump’s policies, naming several key figures who have displayed moral clarity, including Senators Chris Van Hollen, Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She noted that these lawmakers have been vocal in advocating for the values she believes are crucial during this turbulent time.
Harris expressed her hope, citing the recent Democratic victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election as a beacon of resilience. She praised the courage of judges who uphold the rule of law and universities that defy unconstitutional demands, thus pursuing truth and academic independence.
Harris asserted that if Congress or the courts fail to uphold their responsibilities, and if the president disregards them, this would lead to an undeniable constitutional crisis. She urged the audience to remain vigilant against such outcomes.
Harris delivered her remarks at Emerge’s 20th anniversary gala held in San Francisco. Emerge is an organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for political office. The event offered various ticket options, with a starting price of $25 to access the virtual livestream. More exclusive packages included a $100 fee for young professionals and a $250 general admission ticket.
Importantly, Harris omitted comment on ongoing speculation regarding a potential gubernatorial run in California. Her speech has nonetheless sparked renewed interest in her future political ambitions given its strong critique of the current administration.
As she navigates this new chapter post-vice presidency, Harris’s address underscores her commitment to defending American democratic principles and holding leaders accountable for their actions.
