Vice President Kamala Harris faced significant staff turnover and management challenges in her early days in office, prompting President Joe Biden to take unusual steps to protect his second-in-command. However, recent reports suggest a stabilization in Harris’ team as she settled into her role.
When Kamala Harris took office as Vice President in January 2021, she brought a reputation for being a demanding boss. This management style, which some described as “prosecutor-like,” quickly led to tensions within her new team at the White House.
According to reports, Harris’ approach involved asking “pointed questions” about every detail of her schedule and briefings while also being cautious in her decision-making process. This combination left some staffers feeling frustrated and overworked.
The situation came to a head in June 2021 when Politico interviewed 22 current and former aides who painted a picture of dysfunction and negativity in Harris’ office. The departure of staff members that followed mirrored similar patterns from her time as a senator from California.
President Joe Biden, known for his fierce loyalty to friends and political allies, reportedly took matters into his own hands. In a stark warning to Harris’ staffers, he threatened to fire anyone who leaked negative stories about the Vice President. This unusual step highlighted the administration’s concern about the public perception of Harris’ office.
Last month, more than 300 former Vice President Kamala Harris staffers signed a letter endorsing her. The letter praised Harris’ record of confronting wrongdoers and advocating for marginalized groups. It also commended her for addressing complex and challenging issues while working with them. The former staffers emphasized that Harris has been effective in every position she has held throughout her career.
The turnover in Harris’ office was significant. Nearly 92% of the initial staff members hired after she took office in January 2021 have left at some point during her nearly four years as vice president. Only four of the initial 47 hires from her first year remained employed without interruption, according to an analysis by Open the Books.
Adam Andrzejewski, the CEO of Open the Books, observed that Vice President Harris replaced almost all her senior-level staff members. This high turnover rate at the top levels resulted in little continuity or loyalty among her senior team. Andrzejewski pointed out that only four lower-ranking staff members remained consistently employed throughout this period of change.
However, it’s important to note that high turnover is not uncommon in high-ranking government positions. President Biden’s “A-Team,” or senior-level executive branch staff, has seen a turnover of approximately 71%.
As Harris settled into her role, her office underwent changes that appear to have stabilized the situation. Key hires, such as Lorraine Voles, who served as communications aide and later chief of staff, helped to smooth operations. The turnover rate has slowed to be roughly on par with the rest of the White House.
Harris’ allies and current staff defend her management style, arguing that it is not significantly different from other politicians. They suggest that much of the criticism is rooted in sexism and racism rather than genuine concerns about her leadership.
Supporters highlight Harris’ more personal side, noting that she encourages staff to bring their children to the office and hosts team dinners. This approach, they argue, demonstrates a balance between her demanding work ethic and her efforts to create a positive team culture.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Harris’ management style and ability to lead a large operation will likely face renewed scrutiny. However, her supporters believe she has grown into the role of vice president and assembled a strong team around her.