Harris campaign faces $20M deficit after spending on Oprah, concerts, and ‘Call Her Daddy’ set

Kamala Harris campaign ends with $20M deficit after high spending on celebrity endorsements and media appearances.

Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, which raised over $1 billion, ended with a $20 million deficit, primarily due to high spending on celebrity endorsements and media appearances, according to a recent Washington Examiner analysis.

In October, the campaign paid $1 million to Oprah Winfrey's production company following her appearance at a Harris town hall and final rally endorsement in Philadelphia. Additionally, six figures were spent creating a custom set for Harris’ appearance on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast, aimed at connecting with younger, female voters.

In a last-minute push, the campaign also brought top music artists to battleground states. Jon Bon Jovi, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga performed in Detroit, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, respectively, on the eve of Election Day. Days earlier, rapper 2 Chainz rallied Harris supporters in Atlanta. These performances reportedly contributed over $20 million to the campaign’s costs, while an additional $700 million was allocated to advertising, including high-profile spots on the Las Vegas Sphere.

Reports indicate campaign staff expressed frustration over the focus on celebrity-driven strategies, which they attributed to leadership decisions. Amid mounting questions over campaign finances, Harris’ team has not issued a statement but will be required to submit post-election financial details to the Federal Election Commission within 30 days.