Trump Offers Advice to Kamala Harris on California Governor Bid

“Start talking to people,” Trump says, slamming Harris’ media strategy

President Donald Trump isn’t holding back when it comes to Kamala Harris and her rumored run for governor of California. Speaking with Clay Travis aboard Air Force One this weekend, Trump had a clear message for the former vice president: do the interviews.

“She’s gotta start doing interviews,” Trump said. “You can’t keep hiding. Biden got away with it during COVID. That excuse doesn’t work now.”

Trump’s jab comes as Harris reportedly inches closer to jumping into the 2026 California governor’s race. She’s expected to make a final decision by late summer, but her track record of avoiding the press could already be costing her support — even from her own side.

The Harris Silence Strategy

Harris, who was thrust into the top of the Democratic ticket after President Biden abruptly dropped out last year, went 39 days without a single sit-down interview. And when she finally broke the silence, it was in a soft-pitch interview alongside her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Critics hammered her again when reports surfaced she backed out of a potential appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Rogan, known for his no-nonsense style, claimed Harris’ team tried to set limits on what he could ask — a dealbreaker for the host.

“She didn’t want tough questions,” Rogan said in a September episode. “Trump came on and answered everything. She wouldn’t.”

That Rogan interview, or lack of it, may have been a missed opportunity. The podcaster’s eventual endorsement of Trump helped fuel momentum among younger and independent voters.

A Crowded Field in Deep-Blue California

With Gov. Gavin Newsom term-limited in 2026, California’s top job is up for grabs. And while the Golden State is known as a progressive stronghold, the race is expected to be a slugfest among Democrats vying to shape the party’s future.

Newsom himself is seen as a possible White House contender in 2028 — but that depends on how the next two years play out in Sacramento and Washington.

Meanwhile, Harris’ name brings national recognition, but also national baggage.

“She’d be a strong candidate,” one former Harris advisor told CBS News, “but only if she figures out how to talk to voters and answer hard questions. Californians are tired of being talked at. They want someone who shows up.”

Trump vs. Harris: Round Two?

While Harris is weighing her gubernatorial future, Trump is already in full campaign mode, charging ahead toward November and sharpening attacks on Democrats across the board. The contrast between Trump’s media blitz and Harris’ media aversion couldn’t be more stark.

“This isn’t 2020,” Trump said. “The American people want answers. They want strength. They want leaders who show up.”

Whether Harris takes that advice is anyone’s guess — but the clock is ticking.

Stay tuned. California’s political earthquake may just be getting started.