Reports from campaign staff, vendors, or official financial disclosures

Kamala Harris's Campaign Ends $20M in Debt After $1B Spend, Including $20M on Concerts

Nov 9, 2024, 03:13 AM

Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign has concluded with at least $20 million in debt, despite raising over $1 billion, according to multiple reports. As of October 16, the campaign had $118 million in the bank. However, lavish spending on election-eve concerts featuring celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Jon Bon Jovi, which reportedly cost up to $20 million, has drawn scrutiny. The campaign also allocated $15 million on these rally performances. Staff and vendors fear they may not be paid due to the campaign's financial situation. The campaign reportedly spent $654 million on advertising and $3.9 million to an influencer recruitment agency to boost Harris's online presence. Payments were also made to private jet company Advanced Aviation. The campaign spent over $100,000 building a set for Harris's appearance on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, which garnered fewer than 1 million views on YouTube, while declining a free interview on 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' which featured President Donald Trump and received over 47 million views. Additionally, the campaign paid $1 million to Oprah Winfrey for an interview. Harris had the support of 83 billionaires, compared to Trump's 52, yet still lost the election. Advisers from Harris's and President Joe Biden's teams are engaged in a blame game over the election loss, with Harris's allies criticizing the Biden campaign and vice versa. Democratic National Committee finance member Lindy Li referred to Harris's campaign as a 'billion-dollar disaster.'