Introduction
Former Vice President Kamala Harris re-entered public political discourse with a critical speech aimed at President Trump’s administration during an event in San Francisco. A recent article by ABC News sparked interest among readers about Harris’s political future and the nature of her relationship with former President Barack Obama. This fact-check looks into key claims from the article and addresses the user’s questions directly.
Historical Context
Kamala Harris served as the 49th Vice President of the United States under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. As the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American Vice President, she was one of the most prominent figures in Democratic politics. Since leaving office, Harris has largely kept a low profile. However, with Trump back in office for a second term, her re-emergence has prompted speculation on whether she plans to re-enter the race for elected office—either in California or nationally.
Fact-Check of Specific Claims
Claim #1: Harris is considering a run for Governor of California and will make a decision by the end of summer
This claim is supported by sourcing within the article and corroborated by reporting from other outlets. According to ABC News, two sources familiar with Harris’s plans indicated that she is “mulling a run in California’s gubernatorial race” and will decide by the end of summer. Additionally, speculation in California-based political coverage (e.g., CalMatters and the Sacramento Bee) has mentioned that Harris would be a strong contender, yet she has not publicly confirmed any candidacy. Therefore, the claim is accurate, though it relies on off-the-record sources and speculation—not an official announcement.
Claim #2: Harris remains in good standing with Barack Obama
The article does not detail Harris’s relationship with Barack Obama, but public evidence supports that the two have maintained a cordial, respectful relationship. During her tenure as Vice President, Obama endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket, and following her departure from office, there have been no credible reports of a rift or fallout between the two. As recently as late 2024, Obama included praise for both Biden and Harris in speeches and public interviews. While the article doesn’t cover the topic directly, the implication that the two remain on friendly terms aligns with public appearances and commentary. This suggests the claim is consistent with known facts.
Claim #3: Trump’s tariffs caused “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history”
This claim is subjective and highly debatable. While economists have criticized some of Trump’s tariff policies for increasing consumer costs and negatively affecting sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, the phrase “greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history” is more rhetorical than factual. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics and reports by the Congressional Budget Office, tariffs during Trump’s first term did contribute to lost GDP growth and raised costs to consumers. Nevertheless, these impacts do not rise to the level of an economic crisis when compared to events such as the 2008 financial collapse. Thus, while it highlights concern over tariffs, Harris’s assertion is an exaggeration and should be considered political hyperbole rather than a verifiable fact.
Claim #4: Trump revoked security clearances of Harris, Clinton, and others
This claim is accurate. Verified reporting from both ABC News and NPR confirms that President Trump issued a directive in March revoking the security clearances of several former high-ranking officials and campaign rivals, including Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. This unusual move follows previous criticisms Trump has leveled against individuals from prior administrations and political opponents. According to government records and White House releases, this directive was formally enacted, though it sparked concerns among national security experts. Therefore, this claim is factual and supported by multiple reliable sources.
Conclusion
The ABC News article offers a largely factual account of Kamala Harris’s recent speech and political re-emergence. Most claims are supported by documented statements or consistent with known public records. However, readers should be aware that some rhetoric — such as labeling Trump’s tariffs as the cause of “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history” — is opinionated and meant to galvanize rather than present a balanced economic analysis. The article does not mislead but does frame some discussions with political tone, as is common in coverage of speeches. Regarding the user’s question: Harris is indeed considering a gubernatorial run, according to multiple sources, and her rapport with Barack Obama remains intact based on available evidence.
Encourage Readers to Take Action
Want to cut through the noise? Download the DBUNK app now to fact-check any article in real-time and fight misinformation with confidence. You can also follow DBUNK on social media for daily truth-based updates.
Visit the original article here: Original ABC News Report
