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, 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

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

In 2004, Kamala Harris kept her pledge never to seek the death penalty, even in the case of a San Francisco Police Department officer, Isaac Espinoza, who was shot and killed.

2009: Refused to Seek Death Penalty in Murder Case

In 2009, Kamala Harris kept to her pledge never to seek the death penalty, even in the case of Edwin Ramos, an illegal immigrant 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."

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.

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.

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.

May 5, 2019: Harris Alleges Voter Suppression in Georgia and Florida Elections

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

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.

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.

June 2020: Support for Los Angeles Police Department Budget Cuts

In June 2020, after a campaign by community groups, Kamala Harris supported Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's decision to cut the Los Angeles Police Department budget by $150 million.

2020: Support for 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.

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.