An op-ed claims Kamala Harris created a harsh work environment and mistreated staff during her tenure as California attorney general, raising questions about her leadership style.
**Op-Ed Alleges Kamala Harris Berated Staff, Enforced Strict Rules During Time as California Attorney General**
Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris faced allegations of mistreating staff and enforcing strict workplace rules during her tenure as California attorney general, according to a 2019 op-ed published in *The Union*.
The article, written by California superintendent Gregory McAteer, son of former state senator Terry McAteer, details claims made by his own son, who interned for Harris for a month during her time as attorney general from 2011 to 2017. The op-ed was published during Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign and portrays a harsh work environment under her leadership.
McAteer alleges that Harris frequently berated her staff, often using profanity, and created an atmosphere of fear among employees. Low-level staff were reportedly not allowed to address Harris directly or even make eye contact with her.
“Sure, the job is stressful and we’ve all dealt with an angry boss in our lives, but there is another side of Kamala Harris which the general public does not know,” McAteer wrote.
According to the op-ed, staff were required to stand and greet Harris with "good morning general" whenever she entered the room. McAteer’s son, despite working in an office of about 20 people, was allegedly never directly addressed by Harris during his internship, as other staffers were too intimidated to introduce him.
“Senator Harris vocally throws around ‘F-bombs’ and other profanity constantly in her berating of staff and others,” McAteer wrote. “The staff is in complete fear of her and she uses her profanity throughout the day.”
While McAteer expressed approval of Harris' professional accomplishments, he emphasized the importance of character in leadership. He questioned Harris’ suitability for higher office, citing her treatment of staff as a significant concern.
“A person’s character is probably one of the most important attributes for someone wanting to obtain the office of president,” McAteer wrote. “This is not the workplace of someone who respects her staff… she didn’t show the quality of leadership skills or even being a decent boss.”
McAteer concluded by noting that his son approved the op-ed before publication, stressing that integrity and character are virtues that should be upheld in politics.
Neither Terry nor Gregory McAteer, nor the Harris campaign, immediately responded to requests for comment.
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