Trump praises Harris’ Time Magazine cover image

Less than a month after ascending to the top of the Democratic ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris is continuing to gain ground in the presidential race, pulling ahead in the polls and drawing large crowds at rallies across the country. As of this week, she now graces the cover of Time Magazine’s latest issue following her campaign appearance in Pennsylvania alongside her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.  
Harris’ cover image also drew praise from one unlikely source: Former President Donald Trump. 
The article traces Harris’ path to becoming the presidential nominee, examining her 2020 bid for president and the changes to America’s political landscape since that election. It charts her methodical plan for pursuing the presidency, initially set with a 2028 run in mind. It also hones in on Harris’ ability to inspire audiences and energize voters in a way that Biden struggled to do. 
However, Harris’ own voice is notably absent from the piece. Her campaign has repeatedly declined interviews, something Trump’s campaign has seized on as a point of criticism.  
Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team.
Malfunction junction:Elon Musk chats up Donald Trump amid X tech glitches
Trump complimented Harris’ cover image during an Aug. 12 interview with Elon Musk broadcast on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. 
He described her as a “beautiful woman,” comparing her to his wife, former first lady Melania Trump. 
“She looks like the most beautiful actress ever to live,” Trump said. “It was a drawing, and actually, she looked very much like a great first lady, Melania.” 
“She didn’t look like Kamala, but of course, she’s a beautiful woman, so we’ll leave it at that,” Trump continued. 
Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY who focuses on Georgia politics. She is @MayaHoman on X, formerly Twitter.