Challenges Faced by Kamala Harris: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Kamala Harris faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney. She served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. Harris is the first female, first African American, and first Asian American U.S. vice president, marking a significant milestone in American political history. She previously represented California in the U.S. Senate from 2017 to 2021 and served as the state's attorney general from 2011 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2015: Criticism for Blocking Gender-Affirming Care

Kamala Harris faced criticism for a 2015 federal court motion she filed to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate while she was California attorney general.

May 2017: Questioning of Rod Rosenstein

In May 2017, Kamala Harris questioned Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, about the firing of James Comey, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her questioning was interrupted by Senators John McCain and Richard Burr.

October 2018: Target of Mail Bombing Attempt

In October 2018, Kamala Harris was a target of the United States mail bombing attempts.

March 2019: Called for Barr to Testify and Signed Letter Questioning Barr's Decision

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. Attorney General William Barr to testify before Congress regarding the Mueller report. Later that month, she was among a group of Democratic senators who signed a letter questioning Barr's decision concerning obstruction of justice and called for an investigation into his summary of the Mueller report.

April 2019: Letter Urging Trump Not to Cut Aid to Central American Countries

In April 2019, Kamala Harris joined 34 Senate Democrats and independents in writing a letter to President Trump, urging him not to cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, arguing it would damage national security.

May 1, 2019: Barr Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

On May 1, 2019, Kamala Harris questioned Attorney General Barr during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the Mueller report. She questioned Barr about reviewing the underlying evidence before deciding not to charge Trump with obstruction of justice. She later called for Barr to resign and demanded an investigation into whether Barr acceded to pressure from the White House.

May 5, 2019: Harris Comments on Voter Suppression

On May 5, 2019, Kamala Harris stated that "voter suppression" prevented Democrats Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum from winning their respective 2018 gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida.

June 2019: Democratic Presidential Debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris criticized Joe Biden for remarks he made about senators who opposed integration efforts. Her support rose in polls following the debate.

December 3, 2019: Withdrawal from 2020 Presidential Election

On December 3, 2019, Kamala Harris withdrew from the 2020 presidential election, citing a shortage of funds.

2019: Sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination

In 2019, Kamala Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, but withdrew from the race before the primaries.

January 16, 2020: Remarks on Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump

On January 16, 2020, before the opening of the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate about the integrity of the American justice system. She later asked Senate Judiciary chairman Lindsey Graham to halt judicial nominations and voted to convict Trump.

March 2020: Letter Regarding COVID-19 in Prisons

In March 2020, Kamala Harris was one of 15 senators to sign a letter requesting information on the strategy to address the COVID-19 pandemic in prisons.

March 24, 2021: Biden Assigned Harris to Work on Migration

On March 24, 2021, President Biden assigned Kamala Harris to work with Mexico and Northern Triangle nations to address irregular migration to the Mexico–United States border.

August 2022: Low Approval Ratings

In August 2022, Kamala Harris had one of the lowest approval ratings of any vice president, with a record low of 34.8% of Americans having a favorable view of her, according to a RealClear Politics polling average.

November 2023: Harris Pledges Unconditional Aid to Israel

In November 2023, Kamala Harris pledged that the Biden administration would place no conditions on U.S. aid to Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.

2023: "Coconut Tree" Video Clip

In 2024, a video clip from 2023 of Kamala Harris saying "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you" at a White House event went viral.

March 2024: Harris Criticizes Israel's Actions in Gaza

In March 2024, Kamala Harris criticized Israel's actions during the Gaza war, calling for an immediate ceasefire of at least six weeks to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery.

July 2024: Launched Presidential Campaign

In July 2024, after Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy, Kamala Harris launched her own presidential campaign with his endorsement. She selected Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate but lost the election to Donald Trump and JD Vance.

September 10, 2024: Harris and Trump Debate

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump participated in a presidential debate hosted by ABC News. Kamala Harris was declared the winner by several political analysts and received an endorsement from Taylor Swift after the debate. The debate took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

November 5, 2024: Harris Loses Presidential Election to Trump

On November 5, 2024, Kamala Harris lost the United States presidential election to Donald Trump, losing both the Electoral College vote and the popular vote.

2024: Viral Video Clip and Public Image

Since the launch of her 2024 presidential campaign, that and other Kamala Harris remarks have been widely shared as memes, resulting in press coverage of her public image.