Harris Criticizes Trump's Foreign Policy in Chicago Speech

Former VP says Trump 'has made America weaker' through his approach to Iran and international alliances.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:06am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary podium or lectern in a political setting, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the solemn and reflective tone of Harris' remarks on America's foreign policy.Harris' speech in Chicago reflects the ongoing debate over America's global role and the Democratic Party's efforts to engage key voting blocs.Chicago Today

During an appearance at the Power Rising Summit in Chicago, former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Trump's foreign policy, saying his 'war on Iran' and disregard for international alliances have 'made America weaker.' Harris urged Black women to be 'transactional' voters ahead of upcoming elections, arguing the country needs a 'vision' on key issues like healthcare and housing.

Why it matters

Harris' comments reflect the ongoing debate over the direction of U.S. foreign policy, with the former VP arguing Trump's 'America First' approach has damaged America's global standing. As a potential 2028 presidential candidate, Harris is also working to energize a key Democratic voting bloc - Black women - ahead of crucial midterm and future elections.

The details

In her interview at the summit, Harris said Trump's actions, like purging programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development, have 'caused us to become more unreliable and to lose our influence' on human rights globally. She also criticized Democrats in office who are 'preserving their title at the expense of actually getting anything done.' Looking ahead, Harris expressed confidence that 'America is, can be and will be ready for a woman to be president' in 2028 or beyond.

  • Harris spoke at the Power Rising Summit in Chicago on April 19, 2026.
  • In March 2026, Axios reported that a hidden DNC report found the Biden administration's position on the war in Gaza cost Harris the 2024 election.

The players

Kamala Harris

Former Vice President of the United States and a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States whose foreign policy approach Harris criticized.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister of Israel, whom Harris said persuaded Trump on the war in Iran.

Leah Daughtry

Founder of the Power Rising Summit and CEO of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

U.S. Representative who attended the Power Rising Summit.

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What they’re saying

“'He is the first president, Republican or Democrat since World War II, to not concern himself [with] the importance of America's alliances, our friendships and America's responsibility to uphold standards such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.'”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

“'I think it's OK for us to be a bit transactional, too, and to say I'm gonna get mine also. And so don't count on me to be a voter and be the backbone of the Democratic Party.'”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President

What’s next

Harris said 'it's gonna be so difficult' for Democrats to win in the upcoming midterm elections, but that the path includes 'a vision for affordable child care, affordable health care, affordable housing and ... a vision that is about actually getting this stuff done.'

The takeaway

Harris' criticism of Trump's foreign policy and call for Black women to be 'transactional' voters highlights the ongoing debate over America's global role and the Democratic Party's efforts to energize its base ahead of crucial elections.