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Vice President Kamala Harris has displayed a notable lack of cooperation in assisting with the transition of the incoming vice president’s family to their future residence at the Naval Observatory, according to recent reports from CBS News.
Despite traditional protocol, Harris has reportedly shown reluctance in helping Usha Vance, wife of Vice President-elect JD Vance, prepare the Naval Observatory residence for their family’s upcoming move. The situation became apparent when Usha Vance’s attempts to discuss childproofing concerns in November 2024 were initially dismissed.
This stands in contrast to previous transition periods, though it’s worth noting that Harris’s own transition experience was unconventional. While former Vice President Mike Pence offered Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff an opportunity to visit the Naval Observatory during his family’s absence, no meeting between the incoming and outgoing vice presidents occurred.
Why is Kamala Harris treating Usha Vance so badly refusing to allow her in to see what will be her new home? I thought an Indian woman would be kind to another. pic.twitter.com/6MlPirZrDX
— USMC Lady Vet 🇺🇸 (@Arkypatriot) January 15, 2025
Some progress was made in December when Navy officials provided the Vance family with a house overview, and Emhoff eventually held a 40-minute conversation with Usha Vance. However, Harris herself has maintained distance, avoiding direct communication with the Vance family or their representatives.
This behavior appears particularly striking given the Democrats’ previous emphasis on smooth power transitions and their criticism of Republicans for breaking political traditions. Harris’s apparent unwillingness to engage with the incoming family seems to contradict the maternal image carefully crafted during her time in office, where she was often portrayed as family-oriented and nurturing.
The situation has highlighted a perceived disconnect between Harris’s public persona and current actions. While she was once celebrated for sharing personal moments like making pancakes with her nieces and hosting family game nights, her current approach to the transition suggests a different attitude.
CBS News is reporting that Kamala Harris did not invite the Vance family to tour the vice president’s residence at the Naval Observatory. The tour “is a longtime tradition,” says @MarkHalperin. “I’m sure that does not sit well with almost anyone.” #JDVance #KamalaHarris… pic.twitter.com/q50aJxalVL
— 2WAY (@2waytvapp) January 14, 2025
The dynamics of the situation have drawn attention to the roles within the current vice presidential couple, with Emhoff, who has previous parenting experience, handling the communication regarding childproofing matters. This arrangement has sparked discussions about modern political partnerships and their implications.
Harris’s decision to maintain distance rather than extend traditional courtesies to the incoming family, such as offering a personal tour of the residence, has raised questions about the broader implications for women supporting women in politics, regardless of party affiliation.
However, observers note that despite the lack of traditional transition assistance, the Vance family appears well-equipped to adapt to their new residence independently. The Naval Observatory has served as the vice presidential residence since the 1970s, and the Vances, including their three children, will continue this tradition as its next occupants.