Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy recently expressed concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris’s ability to retain staff, stating that “nobody lasts very long” while working for her. McCarthy’s comments were made during an appearance on “Life, Liberty & Levin,” where he highlighted the challenges Harris faces in maintaining a stable team. He emphasized that Harris’s treatment of her staff could be indicative of her future actions.
McCarthy’s remarks come on the heels of a report by OpenTheBooks.com, a government watchdog organization, which revealed that Harris has experienced a staggering 91.5% staff turnover rate within the Office of the Vice President. The report, based on payroll records, disclosed that only four out of the original 47 staff members from Harris’s first year as vice president in 2021 are still working for her. In the year leading up to March 31, 2024, 24 staffers had already left their positions. Currently, Harris has 50 staff members in her office.
Comparatively, Harris’s staff turnover rate of nearly 92% surpasses that of President Biden, with 77%, and former President Trump, with 72%, during the same period. This turnover rate raises concerns about the stability and effectiveness of Harris’s team. Former aides have highlighted the importance of building relationships and fostering a positive work environment, suggesting that improvements are necessary in Harris’s office culture.
Additionally, reports from former staffers and family members shed light on the challenging work environment in Harris’s office. One former intern’s father wrote an op-ed detailing his son’s negative experience working for Harris, citing her frequent use of profanity and intimidating behavior towards staff. The father described how Harris demanded her staff to stand and address her in a specific manner, creating an atmosphere of fear and control.
Despite these reports and concerns, the Harris campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment. The revelations about Harris’s office culture and high turnover rate raise questions about her leadership style and ability to maintain a cohesive team. As Vice President, Harris’s treatment of her staff may have broader implications for her future actions and decisions. It remains to be seen how these issues will impact her political career moving forward.