Early in her tenure, Vice President Kamala Harris experienced significant staff changes and management hurdles that led President Joe Biden to take extraordinary measures to support his deputy. Recent reports however indicate that Harris’ team has now stabilized as she has grown into her role.

From the moment she assumed office as Vice President in January 2021, Harris was known to have high expectations of her team. Her management style, often likened to that of a prosecutor, soon sparked friction within her newly formed White House team.

Harris reportedly asked probing questions about every facet of her schedule and briefings, while also treading carefully in her decision-making. This approach led some staff members to feel overwhelmed and stressed.

The tension culminated in June 2021 when Politico interviewed 22 present and past aides who described a climate of negativity and disarray within Harris’ office. The subsequent staff exits echoed similar trends from her tenure as California senator.

President Joe Biden, renowned for his loyalty to friends and political colleagues, reportedly intervened directly. He issued a stern warning to Harris’ staff, threatening dismissal for anyone leaking unfavorable stories about the Vice President. This unusual action underscored the administration’s concern over the public image of Harris’ office.

In a recent development, over 300 former staffers of Vice President Kamala Harris signed a letter endorsing her. The letter lauded Harris’ track record of challenging wrongdoers and championing marginalized groups, and also praised her handling of complex and difficult issues while working with them. The past staffers stressed that Harris had been successful in every role she had held in her career.

The extent of the turnover in Harris’ office was notable. Approximately 92% of the initial staff hired following her assumption of office in January 2021 have since left. Out of the 47 hires from her first year, only four have remained continuously employed, based on an analysis from Open the Books.

Adam Andrzejewski, the CEO of Open the Books, noted that Vice President Harris had replaced nearly all her senior staff members. This high turnover rate resulted in a lack of continuity and loyalty among her senior team. Andrzejewski highlighted that only four lower-level staff members remained continuously employed during this period of change.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that a high rate of turnover is not unusual in senior government positions. President Biden’s executive branch senior staff, known as the “A-Team,” has experienced a turnover rate of about 71%.

As Harris became more comfortable in her role, her office underwent shifts that seem to have steadied the situation. Key appointments, like Lorraine Voles, who served as a communications aide before becoming chief of staff, contributed to smoother operations. The pace of turnover is now roughly equivalent to that in the rest of the White House.

Current staff and allies of Harris defend her management style, arguing it is not significantly different from other politicians. They suggest that much of the criticism is based more on sexism and racism than on her leadership abilities.

Supporters point to Harris’ more personable side, noting that she encourages staff to bring their children to the office and organizes team dinners. They argue that this demonstrates a balance between her rigorous work ethic and her aim to foster a positive team atmosphere.

As the 2024 presidential election nears, Harris’ management style and her ability to lead a large operation will likely come under fresh scrutiny. However, her supporters are confident that she has evolved into the role of vice president and built a robust team around her.