After the Democratic National Committee laid off hundreds of people, its staffers are now criticizing the party for unexpected moves and spending habits during the 2024 election cycle, according to Axios.
In the aftermath of Harris’ campaign, Democrats have expressed concerns about the possibility of millions of dollars in debt racked up by the DNC in an effort to put the vice president in the White House, four people familiar with the situation said. revealed. said To Axios. Amid concerns about mounting debt, DNC unexpectedly laid off hundreds of employees, leaving many current and former employees stunned, including those in permanent and temporary positions. said Axios. (Related: ‘We didn’t pander’: How Donald Trump shattered the Obama coalition to win the popular vote)
“Layoffs of this magnitude are shocking to people who have lived here for 10 years. People are blindsided by this… I have completely lost faith in the Democratic Party, but I still I work for the Democratic Party,” the incumbent told the outlet.
One day’s notice will not result in dismissal. The DNC fights for workers, not themselves.
The full statement is below. pic.twitter.com/l3S2U0Na20
— DNC Staff Union (@dncstaffunion) November 18, 2024
The party’s staff union accused the DNC of betraying the party’s values with Monday’s sudden layoffs. statementadded that it was the result of “short-sighted mismanagement by senior leadership.”
“The principles we champion on the national stage are being ignored in our own workplaces,” the statement said.
Axios reported that concerns have grown over the debt the Harris campaign has racked up since the layoffs. The majority of Harris’ campaign funds were spent on digital and television ads, according to . AxiosBut aides have begun to worry about the possibility of overspending on large gatherings and high-profile appearances.
The campaign paid Oprah Winfrey’s production company at least $1 million to host a celebrity-filled town hall. washington examiner Reported.
Democratic presidential candidate speaks alongside Oprah Winfrey at the campaign closing rally at the base of the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on November 5, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Kamala Harris (Republican). With just one day left until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning across Pennsylvania. (Photo provided by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
However, the campaign’s chief financial officer has denied reports that the party is in huge debt after the 2024 election cycle.
“As of Election Day, there were no outstanding debts or past due invoices,” said Patrick Stauffer, Harris for President’s chief financial officer. said Despite Bloomberg’s campaign and party spending nearly $1.5 billion during his run for the White House.
He went on to say that when the campaign files its next FEC application in December, it will be “debt free.”
Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris waves as she exits the stage during a rally at Muhlenberg College Memorial Hall on November 4, 2024 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. With just one day left until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is campaigning across Pennsylvania. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
A DNC spokesperson told Axios: “Each cycle, political organizations expand in size to meet demand, and as the cycle comes to a close, many in the industry are forced to part ways with talented, hard-working staff. It’s a harsh reality.”
“While the DNC is meeting the terms of the union agreement negotiated by the CBA, we share the frustration of the entire DNC family and continue to provide resources to all members of our team to support this transition.” ” continued the spokesperson.
