Donald Trump Praised Kamala Harris’ Name and Cited Ivanka’s Admiration in Private Calls, Former VP Reveals

In her forthcoming memoir, 107 Days, Kamala Harris offers a glimpse into her private exchanges with Donald Trump, including a striking instance where he acknowledged knowing her name’s correct pronunciation all along.

Kamala Harris is unveiling the behind-the-scenes dynamics of her relationship with Donald Trump. The ex-vice president’s upcoming book, 107 Days, chronicling her groundbreaking 2024 presidential bid, uncovers fresh insights into their interactions. While Trump spent much of Harris’ campaign publicly disparaging her, she asserts his demeanor shifted dramatically in private settings.

Harris recounts her first hint of Trump’s contrasting side in September 2024. Following the arrest of a man accused of plotting to assassinate Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course, the Republican leader publicly blamed Harris’ campaign rhetoric for the threat. Yet, when Harris reached out by phone soon after, his attitude had softened considerably.

“I’d braced myself for a confrontation with a fiery adversary, but I was met with a gentler persona,” Harris writes in her memoir, which PEOPLE accessed early.

During the call, Trump reportedly complimented Harris and expressed appreciation for hearing from someone else who grasped his “precarious” situation. “You’ve done an impressive job, truly,” he allegedly said, per Harris’ recollection. “The only trouble is, it makes it tough for me to stay mad at you. What am I supposed to do now—how do I criticize you?”

“Then don’t!” Harris claims she responded, chuckling.

He purportedly added, “I’ll ease up. I will. You’ll notice the difference.”

As the conversation wrapped, Harris alleges Trump made an offhand remark about his daughter Ivanka Trump, noting she’s a “huge admirer.”

Trump also extended warm regards to Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, calling him a “truly decent man” and praising his address at the Democratic National Convention.

Despite these private niceties, Harris maintains they didn’t alter her view of him. In her book, she describes the president as “a skilled deceiver,” adept at his craft.

On the night of the 2024 presidential election, with Trump projected as the victor, Harris called to concede. During this exchange, Trump pronounced her name accurately, having previously popularized a mispronunciation during the campaign.

“I’ll be nothing but kind and respectful,” Trump allegedly remarked. “You’re a formidable, intelligent contender, and I say that with genuine admiration. Plus, you have a lovely name. I’ve gotten the hang of it—it’s Kamala.”

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PEOPLE contacted representatives for Donald and Ivanka regarding Harris’ account of the calls.

107 Days hits shelves on September 23 and is available for preorder at all major bookstores.