President Trump has publicly denied a claim made in Kamala Harris’s new book that he privately praised her following the 2024 election. Harris alleges that Trump referred to her as a “tough, smart customer” during a post-election concession call. Trump dismissed the statement, saying he doesn’t recall ever using that phrase and clarified that while he was courteous, the claim of personal admiration is fiction.
Harris’s book recounts that Trump told her, “You are a tough, smart customer, and I say that with great respect.” She also claims Trump said he would “be nice and respectful”. The anecdote is being used to paint Harris as a respected opponent, even by political adversaries.
Trump responded in an interview with Fox News’s Peter Doocy, stating, “I met her a couple of times. I was always nice. I don’t remember saying that.” Trump added that Harris “would have done a better job than she did in terms of running” but affirmed, “We won. We won by a lot.”
This denial comes as Harris attempts to reshape her political image after a failed presidential campaign and a historically low approval rating during her vice presidency. Her book, part memoir and part political message, positions her as a capable leader who earned the respect of even her fiercest critics.
