Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign faces a financial crisis, struggling to pay senior staffers amid post-election financial straits.
At a Glance
- Harris campaign experiencing financial difficulties, unable to meet staff payment commitments
- Senior staffer payments frozen despite promises to maintain payroll through December
- Campaign raised $1 billion in three months before Election Day but expenses exceeded this amount
- Conflicting reports on campaign’s financial status, with ongoing appeals for donations
- Staffers advised not to discuss internal matters with media, but leaks continue
Financial Struggles Plague Harris Campaign
The aftermath of the recent election has brought to light significant financial difficulties facing Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Reports indicate that the campaign is grappling with a severe cash crunch, leaving it unable to fulfill its financial obligations to senior staff members.
Despite raising an impressive $1 billion in the three months leading up to Election Day, the Harris campaign’s expenses have reportedly surpassed this amount. The exact details of the campaign’s financial situation remain unclear, but leaked information suggests a significant shortage of funds.
Impact on Campaign Staff
The financial strain has directly affected the campaign’s workforce. Payments to senior staffers have been frozen, contradicting earlier assurances that payroll would be maintained through December. The development has left many campaign workers in a precarious financial position, impacting their trust in the campaign, as well as overall morale.
WASHINGTON: The Harris campaign stopped paying many senior staff as of today, even those initially told they would be paid through the end of the year, because they have no money.
— KolHaolam (@KolHaolam) November 17, 2024
In an attempt to mitigate the negative impacts, the campaign has committed to continuing health insurance coverage for affected staffers through the end of the year. While this gesture provides some relief, it does little to address the immediate financial concerns of unpaid staff members who relied on their campaign salaries.
Conflicting Reports and Ongoing Fundraising Efforts
Additionally, supporters of the Harris campaign continue to receive frequent donation requests via email and text, often referencing President-elect Donald Trump’s transition. These solicitations for funds suggest that the campaign is actively working to address its financial shortfall, but also raise questions about transparency.
The campaign’s leadership has attempted to maintain a veil of secrecy around its internal financial struggles. Staffers were explicitly instructed not to discuss these matters with the media. However, the persistence of leaks indicates a breakdown in internal communication and growing frustration among workers.