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, making history as the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office. Prior to becoming Vice President, she represented California in the U.S. Senate (2017-2021) and served as California's Attorney General (2011-2017). 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: Controversy Over Blocking Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Inmate

Kamala Harris has faced criticism for a 2015 federal court motion she filed while California attorney general to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate, after a court ruling that denying such treatment violated the 8th Amendment.

May 2017: Questioning of Rod Rosenstein

In May 2017, Kamala Harris questioned Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, about his role in the firing of James Comey. Her questioning led to interruptions from Senators John McCain and Richard Burr.

October 2018: Target of Mail Bombing Attempts

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

March 2019: Called for Barr to Testify Before Congress

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. attorney general William Barr to testify before Congress regarding Russian interference in the 2016 election, in the interest of transparency after special counsel Robert Mueller submitted his report.

April 2019: Urged Trump not to Cut Aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

In April 2019, Kamala Harris joined 33 other Senate Democrats and independents in writing a letter urging President Trump not to cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, arguing that such cuts would damage national security.

May 1, 2019: Barr Testified Before the Senate Judiciary Committee

On May 1, 2019, U.S. attorney general William Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee where Kamala Harris questioned him about the Mueller report. Barr admitted that neither he, Rod Rosenstein, nor anyone in his office had reviewed the underlying evidence before making the charging decision regarding President Trump and obstruction of justice.

June 2019: Scolded Joe Biden at Democratic Presidential Debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris criticized Joe Biden for his remarks about senators who opposed integration efforts and mandatory school bussing.

December 3, 2019: Withdrew from 2020 Presidential Election

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

2019: Sought Democratic Presidential Nomination but Withdrew

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

January 16, 2020: Delivered Remarks on the Integrity of the American Justice System

On January 16, 2020, before the opening of the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate, affirming her views on the American justice system. She also voted to convict Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

March 2020: Letter on COVID-19 Strategy in Prisons

In March 2020, Kamala Harris joined 14 other senators in signing a letter requesting information on the strategy to address the COVID-19 pandemic in federal and private prisons.

March 24, 2021: Assigned to Work on Migration Issues

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.

June 2021: First International Trip as Vice President

In June 2021, Kamala Harris made her first international trip as vice president, visiting Guatemala and Mexico to address the root causes of migration from Central America to the United States.

February 2022: Diplomatic Role After Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kamala Harris was dispatched to Germany and Poland to rally support for arming Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia.

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.

November 2023: Pledging Unconditional U.S. 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.

March 2024: Criticizing Israel's Actions in Gaza

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

July 2024: Launched Presidential Campaign

In July 2024, Kamala Harris launched her own presidential campaign after Biden withdrew his candidacy. She eventually lost the election to Donald Trump.

September 10, 2024: Presidential Debate between Harris and Trump

On September 10, 2024, ABC News hosted the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Philadelphia. Harris was declared the winner by several analysts, receiving a celebrity endorsement from Taylor Swift. However, polls showed difficulties in conveying that she could represent a "change".

November 5, 2024: Harris Loses Presidential Election to Trump

On November 5, 2024, Kamala Harris lost the United States presidential election to Donald Trump, conceding the race the next day and losing both the Electoral College vote (312 to 226) and the popular vote (48.3% to 49.8%).

2024: Nominee in the 2024 Presidential Election

In 2024, Kamala Harris was the Democratic Party's nominee in the presidential election. She ultimately lost the election to the Republican nominees.

2024: Public Image and Memes

Since the launch of her 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris remarks, including a 2023 video clip, have been widely shared as memes, resulting in press coverage of her public image.

2024: Biden and Harris as Presumptive Nominees

Throughout 2024, Joe Biden's age and health were under scrutiny, especially after his debate performance, while he and Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party's presumptive nominees.