In her first significant one-on-one TV interview as the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris discussed the economy and touched on a variety of pressing issues.
Harris joined MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle on Wednesday, right after announcing her vision for an “opportunity economy” during a campaign speech in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
During the conversation, she compared her economic strategies to those of former President Donald Trump and addressed topics like immigration and Trump’s recent comments regarding women.
Here are three highlights from the interview.
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On the Economy and Trump’s Tariff Proposal
Trump is advocating for new 10 to 20 percent tariffs on imports if he wins another term, claiming he can implement this without Congressional approval. However, many economists warn that this could hurt U.S. consumers and businesses.
Harris criticized Trump’s plan on MSNBC, arguing it effectively acts as a “national sales tax” since the increased import costs would likely be passed down to consumers. “You can’t just throw tariffs around,” she remarked, emphasizing that serious solutions need thoughtful consideration regarding their economic impact.
She highlighted her own initiatives, such as a $25,000 down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers, a $6,000 child tax credit, and a $50,000 tax deduction for new small businesses.
Addressing Immigration Challenges
When asked about communities struggling to accommodate migrants, Harris acknowledged, “We have a broken immigration system, and it needs to be fixed.” She pointed out a bipartisan border security bill that Trump opposed earlier this year, accusing him of prioritizing political gain over genuine solutions.
“He killed a bill that would have actually been a solution because he wants to run on a problem,” Harris stated, pledging that as president, she would revive and sign a comprehensive reform plan that strengthens border security and provides pathways to citizenship.
Women’s Rights and Trump’s Comments
Responding to Trump’s remarks at a rally where he claimed women would “no longer be thinking about abortion” if he returned to power and positioned himself as a “protector” of women, Harris challenged his record. She reminded viewers that Trump previously suggested women should face punishment for choosing to have an abortion.
“He is the one who chose Supreme Court justices who reversed Roe v. Wade,” Harris said, adding that many state laws now impose punitive measures on women. “The women of America don’t need him to say he’ll protect them; they need to be trusted to make their own choices.”