Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kamala Harris

Public opinion and media debates around Kamala Harris—discover key moments of controversy.

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold the office. Previously, she served as a U.S. Senator representing California (2017-2021) and as the Attorney General of California (2011-2017). A member of the Democratic Party, Harris 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

2004: Did not Seek Death Penalty

In 2004, Kamala Harris did not seek the death penalty in the case of Isaac Espinoza, a San Francisco Police Department officer who was shot and killed.

2008: Issued Citations for Truancy

In 2008, Kamala Harris issued citations against six parents whose children missed at least 50 days of school, prosecuting adults for student truancy.

2009: Did not Seek Death Penalty

In 2009, Kamala Harris did not seek the death penalty for Edwin Ramos, accused of murdering a man and his two sons.

2009: Publication of Harris's Book

In her 2009 book, Kamala Harris criticized liberals for what she called "biases against law enforcement".

2015: Criticism for Blocking Gender-Affirming Care

In 2015, Kamala Harris was criticized for a federal court motion she filed to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate, after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled that denying that treatment violated the 8th Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.

May 2017: Questioning of Rod Rosenstein

In May 2017, Kamala Harris questioned Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, about the firing of James Comey. Her questioning led to interruptions and accusations of being disrespectful.

May 1, 2019: Called for Barr's resignation after his testimony

On May 1, 2019, Kamala Harris called for Attorney General William Barr to resign after his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She accused him of misrepresenting the Mueller report and refusing to answer her questions truthfully.

May 5, 2019: Accused of voter suppression in Georgia and Florida gubernatorial elections

On May 5, 2019, Kamala Harris claimed that "voter suppression" was the reason Democrats Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum lost the 2018 gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida. This claim was disputed by election law expert Richard L. Hasen.

June 2020: Harris Supports Los Angeles Police Department Budget Cuts

In June 2020, after a campaign by a coalition of community groups, including Black Lives Matter, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Los Angeles Police Department budget cuts of $150 million, a decision that Kamala Harris supported.

2020: Harris Supports Donations to Minnesota Freedom Fund

In 2020, Kamala Harris tweeted in support of donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a bail fund assisting those arrested in the George Floyd protests, though she did not donate to the fund herself.

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.

March 2024: Harris Criticizes Israel's Actions in Gaza

In March 2024, Kamala Harris criticized Israel's actions during the Gaza war, advocating for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery.