Introduction
Kamala Harris’ return to the spotlight during a speech in San Francisco has reignited speculation about her political future and stirred reactions across the political spectrum. Given user questions about her plans—presidency or California governor—and her standing with former President Barack Obama, this fact-check verifies claims made in the article and provides critical context against today’s shifting political landscape.
Historical Context
Kamala Harris served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, alongside President Joe Biden. After a failed re-election bid in 2024, both left office amidst a divided political climate, paving the way for Donald Trump’s return to power. Since then, Harris has kept a relatively low profile, with few public statements. As Trump’s administration marks 100 days in office, Harris has emerged once more in public discourse, leading to increasing scrutiny and speculation about her political trajectory.
Fact-Checking Specific Claims
Claim #1: Kamala Harris is more likely to run for California governor than for president
This claim is partially accurate. According to ABC News and additional reporting from Politico and the Los Angeles Times, insiders close to Harris confirmed she is actively considering a run for California governor. Two sources told ABC in March 2025 that she plans to announce her decision by the end of summer. There is no confirmation from Harris herself, but the frequency and specificity of these reports lend strong credibility. While some Democrats have floated her as a possible 2028 presidential candidate, that prospect remains speculative and more distant. Therefore, at this stage, the California governor’s race appears to be the more immediate and probable political opportunity.
Claim #2: Harris is still in good standing with Barack Obama
This claim lacks sufficient supporting evidence. The article does not reference Barack Obama directly, and there have been no recent public statements from the former president regarding Harris. While it’s well-documented that Obama endorsed and campaigned with Harris during the 2020 and 2024 elections, it’s unclear whether their relationship remains as politically aligned today. As of early 2025, Obama has been largely silent on Harris’s political comeback or possible gubernatorial ambitions. Therefore, this claim cannot be confirmed or refuted definitively and is rated as “Insufficient evidence.”
Claim #3: Trump revoked Kamala Harris’ and Hillary Clinton’s security clearances by executive memo
This claim is accurate. According to multiple reports and directly confirmed by the White House Press Office in March 2025, President Trump signed a memo revoking security clearances for more than a dozen former officials, including Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. The administration justified the move as a national security measure, although critics argue it was politically motivated. This aligns with previously reported patterns of Trump removing former rivals from federal advisory roles and public boards, as was also the case with Doug Emhoff being dismissed from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s board.
Claim #4: Trump’s tariffs are creating the “greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history”
This claim is exaggerated and lacks clear economic consensus. Harris described current U.S. economic conditions as driven by “reckless tariffs” that are hurting families and businesses. However, data from the Congressional Budget Office, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and nonpartisan think tanks like the Peterson Institute for International Economics show a mixed impact. While some tariffs may increase consumer prices or reduce trade efficiencies, they have not led to an economic crisis on the scale of the Great Recession or COVID-19. Most economists argue that while tariffs may carry risks, calling the situation “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history” is hyperbolic and unsupported by economic data as of May 2025.
Conclusion
The article generally presents accurate quotes and reports factual information regarding Harris’ public appearance and policy criticisms. However, some context is missing, particularly around her relationship with Barack Obama, which remains unverified. Speculation about her political future is backed by credible sourcing but remains fluid. Harris’ claims about Trump’s tariffs and economic havoc are not supported by current economic analyses and represent a partisan framing rather than a neutral economic assessment. The article, while newsworthy and informative, occasionally blends analysis with speculation, requiring readers to sift carefully between opinion and verified fact.
Encourage Readers to Take Action
Staying informed is essential in today’s fragmented information landscape. Download the DBUNK app today to verify headlines, debunk fake news, and stay updated with truth-first journalism. Join us on social media and be a part of the solution.
