US President Donald Trump has offered advice to his former political rival, Kamala Harris, should she decide to run for California governor next year.
“Let her run,” Trump said in an interview with OutKick’s Clay Travis on Saturday. While hesitant to give political advice, he remarked that Harris needs to start engaging more with the media.
“[President Joe Biden] got away with avoiding interviews during COVID, but she won’t have that excuse,” Trump noted.
Since her defeat in the 2024 election, Harris, 60, has remained relatively quiet in the political sphere. Speculation about her next move includes a possible bid for California governor in 2026, another run for president in 2028, or taking on a behind-the-scenes role within the Democratic Party. With current California governor Gavin Newsom term-limited, Harris could have a clear path if she chooses to run.
Harris has maintained a low profile since leaving office in January, making only a few public appearances, including at the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards last month. During the 2024 campaign, she was selective in her media interactions, a strategy some Democratic strategists have since criticised. Many lamented her reluctance to appear on widely popular platforms, such as Joe Rogan’s podcast.
In contrast, Trump embraced a media-heavy approach, appearing on various independent platforms like those hosted by Rogan, Theo Von, and Andrew Schultz. Trump credited his teenage son, Barron, with helping him select which interviews to take on.
Trump’s running mate, Vice President JD Vance, played a key role in engaging with traditional media throughout the 2024 race. Meanwhile, Harris’ vice presidential pick, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, has since expressed frustration over restrictions placed on his public appearances. According to CNN, Walz had proposed doing more interviews and public events during the campaign’s final stretch, but his suggestions were turned down by campaign officials.
Reflecting on the campaign, Walz suggested Democrats may have miscalculated their strategy. “There’s a danger in fighting the last battle instead of the next one,” he said, noting that Trump’s approach to media engagement played a significant role in the race.
Walz recently made headlines after being mocked by Caitlyn Jenner for suggesting that conservatives feared his masculinity. Jenner, who is transgender, joked that she is more masculine than Walz. When asked who would win in a fight between the two, Trump responded, “Oh, Caitlyn Jenner all day long.”
During his OutKick interview, Trump also commented on his second election victory, suggesting it highlighted the failures of the Democratic Party. “What they were doing didn’t work,” he said.
Trump also noted the difference between his first and second presidencies, emphasising his growing support within the tech industry. “If you look at the inauguration – the people that were there – it was a who’s who of a world that was totally against me the first time. So it’s a much different presidency. I have much more support now,” he said.
