Fact-Checking Kamala Harris’ DNC Speech: What You Need to Know

Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the presidential nomination during the fourth night of the Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago on August 22. The evening’s theme, “For Our Future,” spotlighted a range of issues as Harris addressed a captivated audience following speeches from lawmakers, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, comedian D.L. Hughley, and musical performances by The Chicks and Pink.

During her address, Harris outlined her stance on pressing policy matters like healthcare, taxation, and abortion rights. To ensure accuracy, VERIFY fact-checked several statements made by Harris throughout her speech.

One notable claim made by Harris highlighted a potential “Trump tax.” She asserted, “[Trump] intends to enact what in effect is a national sales tax – call it a Trump tax – that would raise prices on middle-class families by almost $4,000 a year.” This assertion linked Trump’s proposed tariffs of 20% on all imports and up to 60% on imports from China to a national sales tax.

Economists contend that such tariffs would indeed lead to increased costs for American families. The Center for American Progress (CAP) estimated that the combined effect of these tariffs could raise costs for a middle-income household by nearly $3,900 annually. However, a 10% universal tariff proposal could reduce this burden significantly, with estimates indicating potential increases of about $1,700 per year per household, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Another claim from Harris described Trump’s alleged plan to create a national anti-abortion coordinator and mandate states to report on miscarriages and abortions. VERIFY found no evidence supporting this assertion, clarifying that Trump has indicated states should have the authority to monitor pregnancies. The claim seems to reference proposals from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which suggests a nationwide abortion surveillance system but does not mention an anti-abortion coordinator directly overseeing it.

Furthermore, Harris claimed, “[Donald Trump] tried to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.” This statement is confirmed by Trump’s early presidency actions, including an executive order aimed at undermining the ACA. Republican attempts to replace the ACA through legislation like the American Healthcare Act of 2017 further illustrate this initiative; however, it ultimately failed to pass. Trump has continued to express his disdain for the ACA, suggesting he seeks alternatives.

Harris also stated, “[I] delivered $20 billion for middle-class families who faced foreclosure.” This refers to a settlement she orchestrated as California’s attorney general, which aimed to provide financial relief following the foreclosure crisis. The negotiations resulted in banks offering $18 billion in mortgage debt relief and $2 billion in refinancing assistance. Despite this, reports indicate many homeowners did not benefit from the settlement as intended, with a significant portion of the relief going towards homes that were already abandoned.