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. She served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025, under President Joe Biden, marking her as the first female, African-American, and Asian-American to hold the office. Previously, she was a United States Senator representing California from 2017 to 2021, and the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. A prominent figure in the Democratic Party, she was also 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 Medical Care

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

March 2019: Called for William Barr to testify before Congress

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. Attorney General William Barr to testify before Congress regarding the Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

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

On May 1, 2019, Kamala Harris questioned Attorney General Barr during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She inquired whether he had reviewed the evidence before deciding not to charge Trump with obstruction of justice, and Barr admitted that he had not. Harris subsequently called for Barr's resignation.

May 5, 2019: Harris comments on voter suppression in Georgia and Florida

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

July 2024: House Resolution mentions Harris as "border czar"

In July 2024, a House resolution referred to Kamala Harris as "border czar," despite her not holding that title or having authority over the border, tying her to the Mexico-United States border crisis.