Harris accuses Trump of ’wholesale abandonment’ of American ideals in major post-election speech

Kamala Harris criticizes Trump, inspires courage, and hints at future political ambitions in high-profile speech.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris used a high-profile speech Wednesday (April 30, 2025) to sharply criticize President Donald Trump amid speculation about whether she will mount another presidential campaign or opt to run for California Governor.

In her most extensive public remarks since leaving office in January following her defeat to Mr. Trump, Ms. Harris said she’s inspired by Americans fighting Mr. Trump’s agenda despite threats to their freedom or livelihood.

“Instead of an administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals,” Ms. Harris said a day after Mr. Trump reached 100 days in office.

Before Wednesday (April 30, 2025), Ms. Harris had barely mentioned Mr. Trump by name since she conceded defeat to him in November.

In a 15-minute speech, she spoke to the anxiety and confusion that have gripped many of her supporters since Mr. Trump took office but discouraged despair.

“They are counting on the notion that if they can make some people afraid, it will have a chilling effect on others. But what they have overlooked is that fear is not the only thing that’s contagious,” Ms. Harris said. “Courage is contagious.”

Mr. Trump went after Ms. Harris in a campaign-style rally Tuesday (April 29, 2025) marking his 100th day in office. He sarcastically called her a “great border czar" and a “great candidate," and repeated some of the applause lines he routinely delivered during the campaign.