Kamala Harris claims American dream has become a 'myth' for families under Trump economy

Kamala Harris shared a Mississippi mother’s struggle with food costs and unsafe tap water while discussing inflation and infrastructure issues
Kamala Harris said many Americans now see the American dream as a 'myth' because upward mobility no longer feels achievable (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Kamala Harris said many Americans now see the American dream as a 'myth' because upward mobility no longer feels achievable (Ian Maule/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Former Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, May 7, issued a scathing critique of the Trump administration's impact on the working class, asserting that the "American dream for so many people has become an American myth."

While calling for a "post-Trump vision," Harris detailed the "ridiculousness" of rising costs and shared a story about a family struggling with high prices and community safety, framing her platform as an "American revival."



Kamala Harris calls American dream a 'myth'

Addressing a crowd in Las Vegas about her vision for the future, Kamala Harris spoke about the disconnect she sees between national economic reports and the daily lives of many Americans.

She suggested that the promise of upward mobility is no longer a reality for a significant portion of the population.

"Well, let's start with this. Look for far too many people in our country, the American dream is not real and in fact for many people in their lived experience it's what they would consider an American myth and we have to be honest about that," Harris stated.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a fireside chat on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a fireside chat on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Las Vegas (AP Photo/Ty O'Neil)

Kamala Harris shares stories of family struggles

Harris shared stories from her travels to illustrate her concerns about inflation and local infrastructure.

She recounted a trip to Mississippi, where she met a mother of three who was balancing cosmetology school with a strict $150 weekly grocery budget.

Harris highlighted the woman’s personal sacrifice, noting, "I then asked her... 'Well, what in what's in the cart for you?' And that was the only time she broke down to share that she will eat whatever the kids don't eat."

Harris also pointed to infrastructure failures in the area, claiming the woman had to buy bottled water because "the water that comes out of her tap is brown."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 07: Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a fireside chat at MEET Las Vegas on May 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harris addressed the future impact of elections in the political landscape. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a fireside chat at MEET Las Vegas on May 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harris addressed the future impact of elections in the political landscape (Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Kamala Harris highlights impact of tariffs and inflation

The speech also focused on the financial and social pressures Harris attributes to current federal policies.

She specifically mentioned that in Nevada, residents are paying "$20 more dollars at least to fill your tank than it did months ago" and facing $1,500 more in annual costs due to tariffs.

Harris described these economic hurdles as "all this ridiculousness."

Additionally, she touched on the atmosphere in immigrant communities, where families are reportedly living in unfinished basements to avoid law enforcement.

She claimed that some mothers "are not going to the hospital to give birth for fear that their baby will be taken from them."

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Honoree Kamala Harris attends the Public Counsel Awards Dinner on April 29, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Honoree Kamala Harris attends the Public Counsel Awards Dinner on April 29, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

In her concluding remarks, Harris emphasized that her vision involves more than just reacting to current events. She advocated for a "post-Trump vision" focused on restoring access to the American Dream.

"And part of that vision in my mind has to be about of the American dream, an American revival," Harris said.

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