Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed support for many different “liberal” policies throughout her political career, but she has not yet publicly stated her position on these issues now that she is running for President of the United States.
From the migrant crisis to reparations for slavery, these extreme proposals could have long-lasting consequences for the daily lives and wallets of every American.
DailyMail.com analyses the most controversial policies she has supported in the past and describes the dramatic consequences they could have for the country.
The Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment on whether the vice president has changed her positions on the following policies:
Vice President Kamala Harris walks with Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Alejandro Mayorkas and spokesman Symone Sanders
1. Decriminalization of illegal immigration
Harris spoke frequently about what she would do as president on immigration and the migrant crisis when she first ran for president in 2020.
“An illegal immigrant is not a criminal,” she said repeatedly, expressing support for decriminalizing illegal border crossings.
Harris also indicated that she supports free health care for migrants and illegal immigrants, which would significantly burden the US health care system with higher costs.
She also spoke out against President Donald Trump’s efforts to build a wall on the southern border.
Vice President KAMALA HARRIS speaks to the audience at the 113th NAACP Convention
Vice President Kamala Harris has promised
2. DEI Policy and Financial Reparations for Slavery
Harris frequently speaks about her support for government-mandated policies to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion (DEEI) in the workplace and within government.
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris spoke about the importance of tailoring government assistance and benefits based on race and gender.
“We all have to recognize that people did not start from the same foundation and did not have the same opportunities for success,” she argued.
Harris also supported the idea of providing financial assistance to people who were dependent on slavery.
“I think there needs to be some form of reparations and we can discuss what that means,” she said.
Estimates of the cost of recovery programs show that this could happen costs up to $12 trillion.
She also supported the idea of fining companies that don’t pay women the same as men, and wanted to ensure that more black students in urban communities have access to more black teachers so they can be successful.
United States Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on stage during the 2022 Essence Festival
3. Crack down on gun rights
Kamala Harris supports mandatory gun confiscation, universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on assault rifles.
She supported the idea of banning the sale of certain semi-automatic rifles and requiring the confiscation of weapons not approved by the federal government.
“We need to have a buyback program and I support a mandatory gun buyback program,” said Harris, who pledged to take action to remove as many as 10 million “assault weapons” such as AR-15s and AK-47s from gun owners in the United States.
Harris introduced a bill that would buy back guns from gun owners, but also make the program mandatory.
Harris has also championed “red flag” laws for gun owners, which would allow law enforcement officers or family members to seek court orders to prevent them from accessing their firearms.
Kamala Harris delivers special address during worship service at Ebenezer Baptist Church
4. Reduce beef consumption and BAN plastic straws
Harris supported the idea of using government to reduce beef consumption, fearing that cows would produce too much methane gas, which could worsen climate change.
She spoke about these issues at a CNN event on climate change, when she was asked if she supported changes to the dietary guidelines.
“Yes,” Harris responded, going on to say she specifically “would” eat less red meat.
When asked, Harris also supported the idea of banning plastic straws.
I think we should [ban plastic straws]Yes.’
5. Medicare for all and higher taxes to pay for it
Harris floated the idea of raising taxes to pay for government-funded universal health care during her 2020 presidential campaign.
This included a four percent tax increase for households earning more than $100,000 a year and an increase in corporate taxes from 21 percent to 35 percent.
She also proposed raising the top marginal income tax rate to 39.6 percent.
US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the press
6. Federally legalize marijuana
Harris supported the idea of legalizing recreational marijuana use during her 2020 campaign, saying it would bring more “joy” to the public.
“Listen, I think it brings joy to a lot of people. And we need more joy,” she argued in an interview with The Breakfast Club, where she admitted to using marijuana.
In July 2024, Harris again supported the idea of legalizing the drug.
“I just have to say it: We need to legalize marijuana,” she said during a roundtable discussion on the topic at the White House.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers speech to consumer protection, labor and civil rights leaders
7. Transgender policy at school
Harris and Biden have proposed new policies under Title IX legislation that would provide more freedoms for transgender students in public schools.
Harris advocates lifting the ban on sex reassignment surgery for minors, instituting policies in public schools to allow transgender people to use the restrooms of their choice, paying for transgender surgeries for prisoners, and allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports in public schools.
Harris argues that new policies are needed to ensure the rights of transgender people, though women’s rights groups have protested the changes, calling them a threat to girls’ safety.