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 for serving as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold this office. Prior to becoming Vice President, Harris represented California in the U.S. Senate (2017-2021) and served as California's Attorney General (2011-2017). As a member of 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

2009: Criticism of Liberals in Book

In her 2009 book, Kamala Harris criticized liberals for biases against law enforcement.

2014: Harris Defends California's Death Penalty

In 2014, Kamala Harris defended California's death penalty in court while serving as California's Attorney General.

2015: Donated Trump's Contributions

In 2015, Kamala Harris donated Donald Trump's contributions to a nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans.

2015: Federal Court Motion Regarding Transgender Inmate Care

In 2015, Kamala Harris faced criticism for a federal court motion filed while California attorney general to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate.

2016: Russian interference in the 2016 election

In 2016, there was Russian interference in the election which was investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller.

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 from Senators John McCain and Richard Burr, who requested she be more respectful of the witness.

2018: Georgia and Florida Gubernatorial Elections

In 2018, Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum lost the gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida, respectively.

March 2019: Harris calls for Barr to testify before Congress and questions his summary of the Mueller Report

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. Attorney General William Barr to testify before Congress following the submission of the Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 election. She also questioned Barr's summary of the report, suggesting it deliberately mischaracterized the findings and called for an investigation into whether Barr's summary of the Mueller report and his statements at a news conference were misleading.

May 1, 2019: Barr Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee; Harris Calls for Resignation

On May 1, 2019, William Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the Mueller report. During the hearing, Kamala Harris questioned Barr about his decision not to charge Trump with obstruction of justice. Following Barr's testimony, Harris called for his resignation, accusing him of misleading the public.

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

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

June 2019: Harris Criticizes Biden at Democratic Presidential Debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris criticized Joe Biden for past remarks regarding senators who opposed integration efforts and mandatory school bussing. Her poll numbers rose following this debate.

April 30, 2025: Remarks at Emerge America Gala

On April 30, 2025, Kamala Harris delivered remarks at a gala for the 20th anniversary of Emerge America, criticizing the Trump administration's handling of the economy and social issues.