Introduction
This article sparked interest among readers due to speculation about Kamala Harris’s political future and a renewed public appearance criticizing the Trump administration. A user specifically asked whether Harris is more likely to run for governor of California or make another bid for president, and whether she maintains a strong relationship with former President Barack Obama. In this fact-check, we will address these questions directly while evaluating the accuracy and tone of key claims made in the piece.
Historical Context
Kamala Harris served as Vice President under Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025 and was the Democratic nominee opposing Donald Trump in the 2024 election after President Biden did not seek re-election. After losing that election, Harris kept a relatively low profile. As Trump began his second term, Harris made a notable return to the public sphere in April 2025, delivering a speech sharply critical of Trump’s policies. At the same time, rumors and insider reports have circulated about her next political move and her current relationship with influential Democrats like Barack Obama.
Claim #1: Kamala Harris is mulling a run for California governor versus another presidential run in 2028.
The article reports that Harris “has been mulling a run in California’s gubernatorial race and will make a decision by the end of summer,” citing two sources familiar with her plans. It also notes that “some Democrats have floated her as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.” These statements are substantiated by multiple credible sources. In April 2025, The Los Angeles Times and Politico reported similar discussions among Democratic Party insiders regarding Harris’s next move. However, Harris herself has not made any formal announcement. While her decision remains pending, current insider accounts point more immediately toward the gubernatorial route. Therefore, the article accurately reflects the current understanding of Harris’s political trajectory.
Claim #2: Harris maintains a strong relationship with Barack Obama.
The article does not directly mention Barack Obama or provide commentary on their relationship. However, the user’s question brings an important contextual angle. Public records and multiple reputable news outlets, including NBC News and The New York Times, have frequently noted that Harris maintained a respectful and strategically cordial relationship with Obama throughout her public service. In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Obama neither strongly endorsed Harris nor opposed her campaign, choosing to take a mostly behind-the-scenes advisory role. As of May 2025, there has been no credible reporting suggesting a rift or falling out. The relationship may not be particularly active in the current political moment, but there is no evidence indicating it is strained. Conclusion: Harris and Obama remain on good terms, though not necessarily strongly aligned on every political decision.
Claim #3: Trump’s tariffs have created “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.”
During her speech, Harris stated that Trump’s tariffs had triggered a severe economic impact, calling it the “greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.” This is a dramatic claim and warrants scrutiny. While economists have raised concerns about the second wave of tariffs under Trump 2.0, particularly relating to manufacturing and consumer prices, data does not yet support this being the worst economic crisis of its kind. As of Q1 2025, U.S. GDP growth has slowed slightly, and inflation is persistent but not at crisis levels. According to the Federal Reserve and Bloomberg Economics, there has not been a catastrophic downturn, and job numbers have remained stable. Therefore, the description used by Harris is exaggerated and lacks supporting evidence from economic data at the time of her speech.
Claim #4: Trump revoked Kamala Harris’s security clearance in March 2025.
The article states that “Trump issued a memo in March that revoked the security clearances and access to classified information of his previous presidential opponents – Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris – as well as more than a dozen former administration officials.” This claim is accurate. According to reporting by Reuters, The Washington Post, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, President Trump signed a memorandum on March 12, 2025, that revoked security clearances from several former political opponents, citing national security concerns. This was viewed by critics as politically motivated but did go into effect. The article accurately represents the facts regarding this administrative action.
Conclusion
Overall, the article from ABC News offers an accurate portrayal of Kamala Harris’s reemergence in public discourse and her criticisms of the Trump administration. However, it does include one significant instance of hyperbole regarding the economic effects of Trump’s tariffs, presented as a direct quote from Harris. The piece could also benefit from more context about her political considerations and relationships within the Democratic Party, particularly involving Barack Obama. Despite this, the reporting remains largely balanced, with clear labeling of attributed statements versus factual analysis. Harris’s consideration of a gubernatorial race in California is well-supported by credible sourcing, and claims about security clearances are verified.
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