It is deeply disheartening to hear the testimonies of former staffers who worked with Vice President Kamala Harris, describing their experiences as working in a toxic work environment, led by a bully. These individuals have shared accounts of degrading tirades that often left them in tears. As we examine this issue more closely, it becomes apparent that Harris’ leadership style has resulted in an alarmingly high rate of staff turnover.
According to a report by non-partisan watchdog Open The Books, out of the initial 71 staffers hired by Harris in her first year in office, only four remain. This astonishing staff turnover rate stands at 92 percent, prompting serious concerns regarding the Vice President’s treatment of her team.
During my research for the recently published Harris biography, “Amateur Hour,” I was shocked to discover the horror stories recounted by my sources. These instances of mistreatment are not new, dating back to 2010 when Harris served as California’s attorney general. Even back then, she had a reputation for cultivating a toxic work environment. One source revealed that interns would frequently leave in tears, feeling undervalued and unappreciated.
Tragically, these negative behaviors appear to have persisted when Harris was elected as a U.S. senator in 2016. Her office ranked ninth in staff turnover out of the 114 senators who served between 2017 and 2020. Congressional sources even disclosed that she would subject her subordinates to expletive-laden tirades.
This abusive behavior was not limited to those within her own party. During the highly contentious confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Harris berated a room full of Senate staffers, targeting both Democratic and Republican employees alike. This incident exemplifies the toxic nature of her behavior.
In November 2019, her State Operations Director at the time, Kelly Mehlenbacher, shared a powerful resignation letter with the New York Times. Mehlenbacher criticized Harris’ treatment of staff, emphasizing the lack of care shown towards employees who were abruptly laid off and calling attention to the urgent need for improved internal communications.
Unfortunately, it seems that Harris’ behavior towards her staff has not changed since assuming her role as Joe Biden’s vice president. The Washington Post interviewed current and former staffers who spoke candidly about the challenges of working with Harris. They described her lack of preparation and constant soul-crushing criticism, creating an environment where they feel as if they are supporting a bully.
Earlier this year, Politico reported that some staffers believed her office to be abusive. They claimed that individuals were frequently scapegoated, and there was a general lack of support and mistreatment.
It is crucial for leaders, regardless of their position, to treat their staff with respect and empathy. A healthy work environment is one where individuals feel valued, supported, and treated fairly. It is imperative for leaders like Kamala Harris to address and rectify this issue. Only through positive leadership and collaboration can we foster a healthy and productive work environment.
