Trump's initial 100 days slammed, with Harris urging Democrats to unite, a strong critique.
In a scathing rebuke, Vice President Kamala Harris slammed the opening acts of President Donald Trump's second term on Wednesday, accusing him of pushing America towards a constitutional crisis, tanking the economy, and abandoning world allies.
At a gathering for the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco, Harris lambasted the administration for its betrayal of American ideals. She highlighted the disappointing economic performance under Trump, labeling it as the "greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history."
Harris' address, aimed at a resisting of the administration's policies, praised those who have resisted so far, notably her former Senate colleagues Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among others. She drew a powerful analogy between the protective instinct of elephants at the San Diego Zoo, who banded together to shield their calves during an earthquake, and the importance of unity in confronting the administration's challenges.
In reference to Project 2025, Harris didn't mince words, labeling it a "narrow, self-serving vision of America" under which Trump and his allies "punish truth-tellers, favor loyalists, cash in on their power and leave everyone else to fend for themselves - all while abandoning allies and retreating from the world."
Trump, initially, had disavowed Project 2025 during the presidential race, denying any ties to it. However, following his election, the principles of the plan were put into action.
Compared to other prominent Democrats who have been vocal in their criticism of Trump, Harris has largely held back from weighing in on his policies in the past. But on this day, she left no stone unturned, panning Trump for his reckless tariffs that hiked the cost of everyday essentials, devastated people's retirement accounts, and paralyzed the growth of businesses of all sizes.
Amidst the chaos Trump's administration has created, Harris believes that this is a crucial moment for voices of dissent to be heard and for organizing to be more important than ever. In private conversations, Harris has been vocal about the need for Democrats to focus on long-term priorities and revolutionize the way they engage with the American public.
Harris assumed the vice presidency last year, taking over from President Joe Biden just 15 weeks before the election. Despite filling venues across battleground states and shattering fundraising records, she ultimately couldn't overcome voter discontent seeking change. However, her address at the Emerge Gala suggests that she remains a critical voice in the opposition to the Trump administration.
Recent polls show that Trump's popularity stands at an alarming 40%, with 55% disapproving of his handling of his job. Despite these numbers, Trump's policies continue to disrupt markets, create fears of a trade war, and challenge the independence of institutions like universities.
Some advisors to Harris believe this moment is ideal for her to make a powerful statement, drawing support from those who regret their 2024 choice. Her unique ability to prosecute the case against the Trump administration while inspiring a call to action makes her invaluable in the current political landscape.
While Harris has yet to declare her intentions for the future, all options remain on the table, according to her advisors. She continues to surface in lower-profile events, such as the Leading Women Defined Summit, where she shared concerns about the rising fears due to the administration's actions and affirmed that she wouldn't gloat about her earlier predictions.
- In her address at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala, Vice President Kamala Harris warned about the damaging effects of President Donald Trump's policies on the economy, labeling it as the "greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history."
- Harris also lambasted Trump's abandonment of world allies and his administration's policies, which she believes are creating chaos and disrupting markets.
- At the Leading Women Defined Summit, Harris expressed concerns about the rising fears due to the administration's actions and affirmed that she wouldn't gloat about her earlier predictions.
- Some advisors to Harris believe this moment is ideal for her to make a powerful statement, drawing support from those who regret their 2024 choice.
- Harris' unique ability to prosecute the case against the Trump administration while inspiring a call to action makes her invaluable in the current political landscape, according to her advisors, though she has yet to declare her intentions for the future.
