At the 56th NAACP Image Awards, former Vice President Kamala Harris used her acceptance speech to take indirect shots at President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Harris, who was honored with the Chairman’s Award, spoke about what she described as “shadows gathering over our democracy”, a thinly veiled reference to Trump’s leadership and Musk’s influence in government.
“This chapter will be written not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office nor by the wealthiest among us,” Harris said, alluding to Trump’s presidency and Musk’s role in streamlining government agencies. She urged Americans to organize, mobilize, educate, and advocate in order to shape the country’s future, signaling continued resistance to Trump’s policies.
Harris, who has largely kept a low profile since her 2024 election defeat, appears to be re-entering the political and cultural arena. She recently signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), sparking speculation about her future ambitions—whether in politics, media, or activism.
Her remarks reflect broader Democratic frustrations as Trump continues to implement sweeping reforms, including dismantling left-wing bureaucracy and restructuring agencies like USAID and the DOJ. Musk, who has been a vocal advocate for free speech and deregulation, has also drawn criticism from Democrats for his role in downsizing federal agencies.
As the 2024 election aftermath continues to shape the political landscape, Harris’s comments at the NAACP Awards signal that she remains a vocal critic of the Trump administration—and may be setting the stage for a political comeback in the near future.