Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kamala Harris

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

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She is the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold this office, making her the highest-ranking woman and Asian American in U.S. history. Prior to becoming Vice President, Harris 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, 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

2004: Declined to Seek Death Penalty in Officer's Murder Case

In 2004, Kamala Harris declined to seek the death penalty in the case of Isaac Espinoza, a San Francisco Police Department officer who was shot and killed.

2008: Prosecuted Parents for Student Truancy

In 2008, Kamala Harris issued citations against six parents for their children's truancy, marking the first time San Francisco prosecuted adults for student truancy.

2009: Declined to Seek Death Penalty in Murder Case

In 2009, Kamala Harris declined to seek the death penalty in the case of Edwin Ramos, who was accused of murdering a man and his two sons.

2009: Harris Criticizes Liberals in Her Book

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

2014: Defended California's death penalty

In 2014, Kamala Harris defended California's death penalty in court while she was California's attorney general, a position that later drew criticism during her presidential campaign.

2015: Criticism for Blocking Gender-Affirming Medical Care

Kamala Harris has been criticized 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 garnered media attention for her questioning of Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, over the firing of James Comey. Her questioning style led to interruptions and claims of sexism.

2018: Gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida

In 2018, Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum lost the gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida, leading Kamala Harris to allege voter suppression as the cause during May 5, 2019.

May 1, 2019: Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee

On May 1, 2019, William Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the Mueller report. During the hearing, Kamala Harris questioned Barr, leading her to later call for his resignation, accusing him of misleading the public and potentially committing perjury.

May 5, 2019: Accusations of voter suppression

On May 5, 2019, Kamala Harris stated that voter suppression was the reason Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum lost the 2018 gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida.

June 2019: Clash with Joe Biden in debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris confronted Joe Biden over his remarks about senators who opposed integration efforts, which led to a temporary rise in her poll numbers.

November 2023: Harris Pledges No Conditions on 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, calling for an immediate ceasefire for at least six weeks to allow for hostage release and aid delivery.

July 2024: Mentioned in House Resolution

Despite Kamala Harris not having authority over the border itself, in July 2024 a House resolution tied Harris to the Mexico-United States border crisis.