Lindy Li, a prominent Democrat megadonor and former member of the DNC finance committee, has raised serious concerns about the handling of campaign funds by the Kamala Harris presidential campaign.
Last week, Li accused the campaign of failing to account for a substantial amount of cash that allegedly disappeared within weeks, leaving donors and supporters demanding answers.
Li has now called for a formal investigation into where the money went, claiming that individuals close to the Harris campaign may have personally benefited. “Certain individuals became millionaires overnight,” she said, suggesting that it amounted to cronyism, with friends enriching friends under the guise of campaign operations.
This revelation comes as Democrats are still reeling from Harris’s decisive loss to President-elect Donald Trump, a result some strategists have partially attributed to mismanagement and questions of integrity within the campaign.
For many, Li’s claims underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in political fundraising, particularly when grassroots supporters entrust campaigns with their hard-earned dollars.
Li’s criticism highlights internal fractures within the Democratic Party as it grapples with the fallout of the 2024 election and seeks to rebuild trust with its donor base.
Harris’ presidential campaign made a substantial investment in media appearances, including six figures for a spot on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast—a show focused on women’s relationships and lifestyle.
According to a report from the Washington Examiner last month, the episode drew only 813,201 views since its release on Oct. 6, compared to over 47 million views for former President Donald Trump’s recent guest spot on Joe Rogan’s highly popular podcast.
The Washington Examiner notes that Harris’ campaign spent part of its $1 billion budget on a custom set in a D.C. hotel room for the interview, a stark contrast to Trump’s straightforward appearance in Rogan’s Austin, Texas, studio. Harris reportedly declined to travel to Texas to appear on Rogan’s show.
Harris’ campaign, which included events featuring celebrities like Beyonce, Katy Perry, and Oprah Winfrey (whose production company received $1 million), has reportedly funneled over $15 million into “event production.”
Republican strategist Brad Todd observed, “Money can’t buy you love or a good candidate,” adding that effective communication was missing. He noted, “Advertising is a pretty important source of information for swing voters.
