Former Vice President Kamala Harris made a powerful return to the public stage at the 56th NAACP Image Awards, using her acceptance speech to take aim at President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
Honored with the Chairman’s Award for her contributions to public service, Harris urged Americans to take control of their own futures rather than leaving their fate in the hands of powerful figures.
“This chapter will be written, not simply by whoever occupies the Oval Office, nor by the wealthiest among us,” Harris declared. “The American story will be written by you, written by us, by We the People.”
Although she did not mention Trump or Musk by name, her remarks came as the two leaders implemented a controversial policy requiring all federal employees to submit weekly reports detailing their accomplishments. Musk stated that failure to comply before the Monday night deadline would be considered a resignation.
Harris, receiving a standing ovation, encouraged supporters to stay engaged in political and social activism.
“But we know exactly what to do because we have done it before, and we will do it again,” she said. “We use our power, we organize, mobilize, we educate, and we advocate, because you see, our power has never come from having an easy path.”
Her speech marked one of her highest-profile appearances since leaving office. Over the past few months, Harris has kept a relatively low profile, appearing at a California wildfire relief center, attending a Los Angeles Lakers game, and participating in the LA FireAid concerts.
Recently, Harris signed with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the same firm that represents figures such as former President Barack Obama, Beyoncé, and Brad Pitt. The agency will assist in shaping her post-White House initiatives and broadening her platform on key issues she has championed throughout her career.
While her future political ambitions remain unclear, reports suggest she is keeping her options open for another presidential run or a gubernatorial bid in California. Her speech at the NAACP Image Awards signals that she intends to remain an influential voice in American politics.
