Fact Check Analysis: Kamala Harris steps back into limelight as Trump celebrates his first 100 days

Introduction

This article, which spotlights a recent public appearance by former Vice President Kamala Harris, raised questions for many around her political future and current political relationships—especially whether she may be positioning herself for another presidential run, a bid for California governor, and where her relationship with former President Barack Obama stands. The tone and content of the article generated considerable reader interest, prompting scrutiny regarding the accuracy of its claims and political context.

Historical Context

Kamala Harris served as Vice President alongside President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. Following their loss in the 2024 election to Donald Trump, Harris largely faded from public view. The current article captures her re-entry into the national discussion during a speech at a Democratic event. Since leaving office, speculation has swirled about her next steps—will she pursue elected office again, and if so, which? Historically, political figures in similar positions have often mulled options at the state or national levels, leaving room for broad interpretation in political reporting.

Fact-Check of Specific Claims

Claim #1: Kamala Harris is considering a run for California governor and will make a decision by end of summer

ABC News reports that Harris is “set to possibly re-enter politics in the coming months” and that “she has been mulling a run in California’s gubernatorial race,” citing two unnamed sources familiar with her plans. No public statements from Harris herself have confirmed this intention. However, reputable political outlets such as Politico and The Los Angeles Times have previously noted Harris as a potential gubernatorial contender, especially considering that Governor Gavin Newsom is term-limited and will vacate the post in 2026.
We confirm this is credible based on corroboration from other outlets, though it is still reported as potential, not definite. Prospects of a decision by late summer mirror typical timelines for candidates preparing for 2026 gubernatorial campaigns.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-22

Claim #2: Some Democrats have floated her as a potential 2028 presidential candidate

The article claims “some Democrats have floated her as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.” While Harris has not declared any intention to run for president in 2028, this claim aligns with public discourse. Several mainstream political analysts and party insiders have indeed speculated about her re-entering the national stage—especially given her previous presidential bid in 2020 and vice presidency.
However, speculation from unnamed individuals within a political party does not equate to active candidacy or even substantial party backing. There is “truth” in the general awareness that her name remains in circulation, but there is “insufficient evidence” to suggest a coordinated Democratic effort or strong current momentum behind her potential candidacy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/10/us/politics/kamala-harris-2028.html

Claim #3: Harris is in good standing with Barack Obama

This is the subject of the user’s specific question. The article does not directly address Harris’ current relationship with former President Barack Obama, leaving readers to infer from Harris’ political activities.
As of early 2025, there is no public record of Obama criticizing Harris nor endorsing her for any future role. In her previous campaigns and throughout her vice presidency, Obama praised Harris on multiple occasions. According to a 2024 CNN interview, Obama referred to Harris as “a leader with courage,” suggesting continued alignment in values even though they haven’t publicly appeared together since the 2024 election.
While not overtly active, there is no credible evidence of a falling-out or disengagement between Harris and Obama. Thus, we conclude she remains in good standing with him, based on lack of conflict and general past support.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/20/politics/obama-kamala-harris-interview/index.html

Claim #4: Trump’s revocation of Harris’ security clearance is political retaliation

The article states that President 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 action did occur and was confirmed by multiple outlets including Axios and Reuters. However, the article implies the motivation behind the revocation is vindictive. That inference lacks confirmation from official sources. The Trump administration has argued that revoking clearances is standard procedure for former officials not currently serving in a national security position. Critics, though, contend the move appears punitive.
The truth lies in the verifiable action itself but the intent remains interpretive. The article doesn’t clarify this distinction, suggesting bias in framing the revocation as retaliation without acknowledging opposing views or precedent.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-strips-security-clearances-2025

Conclusion

The original article is factually accurate in its attributions and quotes Kamala Harris directly in important passages. It accurately describes her public re-engagement through select events and confirms speculation about her future political ambitions. However, specific claims, such as those regarding her relationship with Barack Obama and the motivations behind Trump’s revocation of her security clearance, either omit key context or rely on interpretive language.
Overall, while the article does provide a largely accurate account of Harris’ speech and current public stance, it occasionally leans into framing that elevates speculation over grounded fact—particularly in its portrayal of political retaliation and the midsection’s lack of counterbalance to Harris’ criticisms of the Trump administration.

Encourage Readers to Take Action

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Link to Original Article:

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kamala-harris-steps-back-limelight-trump-celebrates-100/story?id=121323724

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