Federal Election Commission filings and campaign financial reports

Kamala Harris's Campaign Spent Over $1 Billion, Ended $20 Million in Debt After Lavish Spending on Celebrities and Staff

Nov 9, 2024, 06:40 PM

Kamala Harris's presidential campaign reportedly raised over $1 billion but ended up at least $20 million in debt, according to various reports and Federal Election Commission filings cited in tweets. The campaign allegedly spent lavishly on high-profile endorsements, influencers, and extravagant expenses. These expenditures included paying $1 million to Oprah Winfrey for an interview and endorsement, $100,000 to build a set for Harris's appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast—which garnered fewer than one million YouTube views—and $20 million on election-eve concerts featuring stars like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Additionally, the campaign reportedly spent $582 million on staff salaries, significantly more than the $10.4 million spent by Donald Trump's campaign on payroll. Another $3.9 million was allocated to an influencer recruitment agency, with millions more going to social media influencers and celebrities such as Beyoncé and Cardi B, who reportedly received $10 million and $20 million, respectively. Despite the massive fundraising efforts and expenditures, Harris lost the election, leading to questions about the campaign's management of funds. Reports indicate that the campaign is now soliciting additional donations for a potential recount, despite no plans to pursue one, with critics accusing it of misleading donors to pay off its debt. Comparisons have been drawn between Harris's campaign spending and that of Donald Trump's, who raised significantly less money but won the election. Trump's campaign reportedly spent $345 million, with only about $10 million on staff salaries. Observers have noted that Harris's campaign spending reflects concerns about fiscal responsibility and management, with some suggesting that the campaign's extravagant expenditures wasted donors' contributions without achieving electoral success.