Vice President Kamala Harris spent a significant $1.5 billion during her 15-week campaign that ultimately ended in defeat to President-elect Donald Trump. The campaign saw extravagant spending, including millions on star-studded events on the eve of the election.
Reports indicate that Harris' swing state rallies on the night before Election Day surpassed the campaign's budget, exceeding $10 million. These events featured celebrities like Lady Gaga, Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, James Taylor, and Katy Perry, with no compensation for the singers but support staff being paid.
Unexpected costs arose, such as having to rebuild a rally venue in Pittsburgh due to security concerns raised by the Secret Service. The campaign's spending has raised questions about the allocation of funds.
One notable payment under scrutiny is the reported $1 million to Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions. Initial reports showed two $500,000 payments to Harpo Productions, with sources now suggesting the total cost of the event with Winfrey was closer to $2.5 million.
Harpo Productions clarified that the payment was for production costs and not a personal fee for Winfrey. Other major expenses included $111 million on online ads, $50 million on door-to-door canvassers, and $2.5 million on digital agencies working with online influencers.
Noteworthy expenses were detailed in a Federal Election Commission filing, revealing $2,626,110 spent on private flights in October alone. Payments ranged from $3,500 to $940,000 per disbursement, with significant amounts going to companies like Private Jet Services Group and Advanced Aviation Team.
Despite reports of a $20 million debt, the Harris campaign's chief financial officer stated that there would be no debt in the upcoming filings for the campaign and the Democratic National Committee.
