‘$1 billion disaster’: Here’s what FEC filings show about Harris campaign’s 3 month spending spree
Vice President Kamala Harris’ failed presidential campaign has come under intense scrutiny after spending more than $1 billion in just three months. The campaign’s expenditures have drawn criticism, particularly for spending on celebrity influencers, radical activist groups, and private jets.
One of the most controversial expenditures was two $500,000 payments made to Oprah Winfrey’s production company. These payments came shortly after Winfrey appeared at a town hall event with Harris and before a rally in Philadelphia. Critics accused Harris of buying Winfrey’s endorsement, with GOP Rep. Greg Murphy calling it “unconscionable.” However, Winfrey pushed back, stating that she was not paid personally for her appearances.
The campaign also spent millions on celebrity endorsements, including Beyoncé, Bon Jovi, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Bruce Springsteen. Additionally, nearly $4 million was given to Village Marketing Agency, a company that connects clients with social media influencers.
Moreover, the campaign spent over $12 million on digital media consultants and built a set for Harris’s appearance on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast. FEC records show at least $15 million was spent on event production, often coinciding with high-profile events and concerts.
In a surprising move, the campaign also contributed to radical activist groups, including the Black Voters Matter Fund and the Black Church PAC. Both groups have advocated for defunding the police and reparations, and have ties to activists who have supported controversial figures like Louis Farrakhan.
Despite Harris’ stance on climate change as an “existential threat,” the campaign spent over $4 million on private jets through Advanced Aviation. Additionally, over $56 million was allocated to payroll and payroll taxes in just three months.
The campaign is now reportedly $20 million in debt, despite raising over $1 billion and having $118 million in the bank as of October 16. President-elect Donald Trump has offered to help cover the debt, citing the Democrats’ record fundraising in the 2024 election.
As the Harris campaign faces backlash for its spending decisions, it remains to be seen how these issues will impact Harris’s political future. The campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
