In her first major speech since the 2024 election, former Vice President Kamala Harris addressed growing national anxiety under President Donald Trump’s leadership. Speaking at the Leading Women Defined Summit in California on April 3, Harris urged Americans to confront fear with courage and stand up for democracy.

She criticized Trump’s administration for fostering fear through unpredictable policies, including steep global tariffs, and warned against the erosion of democratic norms. Harris emphasized that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the act of facing it—urging citizens and leaders alike to speak out against injustice and authoritarian drift.

“Courage is contagious,” Harris said, calling for unity and action in the face of growing challenges. Her speech resonated both with the summit audience and political leaders like Rep. Jamie Raskin, who echoed the need for renewed Democratic leadership.

Internationally, Harris’ remarks also underscored concerns about U.S. isolationism and its economic ripple effects. Her message served as both a critique of current governance and a rallying cry for Americans to reclaim their power and uphold democratic values.