Written by David Mitchell.
White House whistleblowers have come forward with allegations that Kamala Harris bullies and physically assaults her staff. These troubling reports portray her as a violent figure behind the scenes. This image of Harris as a tyrannical boss has followed her since her tenure as California Attorney General in the 2010s. Barbara O’Connor, a professor at California State University, shared that her students, who interned for Harris, would often return traumatized.
The situation did not improve when Harris became a senator. An analysis revealed her office had the ninth-highest staff turnover rate among the 114 senators serving from 2017 to 2020. Congressional sources reported that during this period, Harris was known for berating her subordinates and going on profanity-laden tirades.
One infamous incident occurred during Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings in 2018. After staging a walkout, Harris reportedly exploded at her staff outside the Judiciary Committee room, cursing and ordering around people who did not work for her. Witnesses recall her shouting, “Anyone who’s staff, get the f— out of here.”
Continued Patterns in the Vice Presidency
Further evidence of Harris’ poor treatment of staff surfaced in 2019 when her former State Operations Director, Kelly Mehlenbacher, resigned. In her resignation letter, shared with the New York Times, Mehlenbacher stated, “I have never seen an organization treat its staff so poorly,” and added that “morale has never been lower.”
This theme of low morale persisted into Harris’ vice presidency. A June 2021 Politico report revealed that dozens familiar with her office described “low morale, porous lines of communication, and diminished trust among aides and senior officials.” One source remarked that employees felt unsupported and were “treated like s—t,” while another labeled it an “abusive environment.”
A former aide recounted how Harris often did not prepare for public appearances and then blamed her staff when things went wrong. This behavior contributed to an environment of constant “soul-destroying criticism.”
Implications for the Future
One source told the Washington Post, “It’s clear [with Harris] that you’re not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work. With Kamala, you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and her own lack of confidence. So you’re constantly propping up a bully, and it’s not really clear why.”
Reports about Harris’ abusive workplace often emphasize that those in these roles are used to high-pressure environments and demanding bosses. This is not simply a case of employees being overwhelmed by the demands of working for a high-profile figure. Some Democratic insiders worry that her toxic workplace culture could hinder her chances in a future presidential run, as she may struggle to retain experienced senior aides.
Our Take
Kamala Harris’ alleged abusive behavior towards her staff is deeply concerning and highlights significant issues in her leadership style. If these reports are accurate, they reveal a pattern of mistreatment and a toxic work environment that is unacceptable for any leader, let alone one in such a high office. The accusations of physical and verbal abuse are particularly troubling and suggest a severe lack of respect and professionalism.
This behavior not only affects the well-being of her staff but also undermines the effectiveness and morale of her office. A leader who fails to support and respect their team is unlikely to inspire loyalty or achieve long-term success. The Democratic Party must address these allegations seriously and ensure that their leaders uphold the highest standards of conduct.
The implications of Harris’ actions are far-reaching. If she continues to create such a hostile work environment, it will be challenging for her to maintain a competent and dedicated team. This could ultimately impact her ability to govern effectively and damage her prospects in future elections. The public deserves leaders who exhibit integrity, respect, and a genuine commitment to serving their constituents.
