Kamala Harris slams Trump in first major post-election speech

Former Vice President Kamala Harris used her first major remarks since conceding the presidential election to sharply criticize President Donald Trump’s policies. In a 15-minute speech at a Wednesday gala in San Francisco, Harris took aim at several of the major actions taken by his administration since Trump’s inauguration. She accused Trump of carrying out an agenda years in the making to slash public education, shrink and privatize federal government services, and give power and tax breaks to wealthy supporters.

Harris also called Trump’s tariffs reckless, saying they threatened to send the country into a recession. She raised concerns that the president undermined checks and balances on government, which she said could lead to a constitutional crisis. She praised judges for blocking or attempting to block many of the president’s executive orders.

Harris didn’t propose a specific way forward for Democrats, but urged them to resist Trump and stick together.

What audience was Harris addressing? She made the remarks at the 20th anniversary gala for Emerge America, which recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office. She chose friendly territory for her appearance: the organization formed out of Harris’ first run for San Francisco district attorney in the early 2000s, according to its website.

Is Harris running for office? Harris has not shut down rumors that she’s mulling a run for California governor or even another presidential bid. She didn’t declare any political ambitions on Wednesday, but she continues to fundraise. Her campaign fund had $4.5 million at the end of March, according to the Associated Press.

How did the White House respond? Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said facetiously that she believed she spoke for everyone at the White House when she said she encouraged Harris to continue speaking engagements.