Trump Gives Kamala Harris Advice on Potential CA Governor Run
Former President Donald Trump recently shared some notable advice with Vice President Kamala Harris as she reportedly considers a possible gubernatorial campaign in California.
“One thing she’s gotta do, she’s gotta start doing interviews,” Trump remarked during a conversation with OutKick’s Clay Travis aboard Air Force One. Reflecting on political strategies during the pandemic, Trump added, “You can’t get away with both of them. During COVID, he did no interviews, and he got away with it because of COVID,” referring to President Joe Biden’s low-profile approach at the time.
Harris is said to be seriously weighing the idea of running for governor, with a decision expected by the end of the summer, according to Fox News.
This potential move arises as current California Governor Gavin Newsom approaches the end of his term, facing term limits that prevent him from seeking reelection in 2026. Newsom, often mentioned as a possible presidential contender for 2028, leaves an opening for a competitive race among Democratic candidates vying to lead a state known for its progressive policies.
A former advisor to Harris expressed confidence in her potential, stating that she could be a “great” fit for the role, citing her political experience at both the national and state levels.
“On a national level, what Newsom has been able to do with that job, there is a lot of upside with what she can do as the governor of the fifth-largest economy with her name ID when our party is looking for national leadership and California looking for good governance – especially at a time when California is going through a lot,” the advisor explained.
Still, Harris faces lingering criticism tied to her presidential run, particularly regarding her perceived reluctance to participate in interviews, as noted by Fox.
Following Biden’s withdrawal from the race and his subsequent endorsement of Harris, she notably went 39 days without giving a media interview, eventually breaking that streak with a joint appearance alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on August 29. Although Harris increased her media presence afterward, critics accused her of evading tough questions.
One incident that drew significant attention was the collapse of a planned interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan. Rogan later suggested that Harris’s team had tried to impose restrictions on what he could ask.
By contrast, Trump did appear on Rogan’s podcast, a conversation that ultimately led the podcaster to publicly endorse Trump’s presidential bid.
Meanwhile, Newsom has sparked controversy by featuring MAGA-aligned radio host Steve Bannon on his new podcast.
Democratic Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, rumored to be eyeing a future presidential run, was among the first to criticize Newsom’s decision.
“Newsom bringing on different voices is great; we shouldn’t be afraid to talk and to debate just about anyone,” Beshear said, according to Politico. “But Steve Bannon espouses hatred and anger, and even at some points violence, and I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform, ever, anywhere.”
Despite such criticism, recent polls suggest that both Newsom and Beshear trail behind Harris, as well as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who recently set the stage for a potential 2028 presidential bid by announcing that he would not pursue Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat.
Buttigieg, who had previously indicated interest in replacing retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, clarified his intentions, saying he had “decided against competing” for either governor or senator.
“I care deeply about who Michigan will elect as Governor and send to the U.S. Senate next year, but I have decided against competing in either race. I remain enthusiastic about helping candidates who share our values – and who understand that in this moment, leadership means not only opposing today’s cruel chaos, but also presenting a vision of a better alternative,” he wrote on X.
He added, “While my own plans don’t include running for office in 2026, I remain intensely focused on consolidating, communicating, and supporting a vision for this alternative. The decisions made by elected leaders matter entirely because of how they shape our everyday lives – and the choices made in these years will decide the American people’s access to freedom, security, democracy, and prosperity for the rest of our lifetimes.”
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