Kamala Harris’ National Security Adviser Quits

Nancy McEldowney joins long line of staffers quitting Harris’ team.

QUICK FACTS:
  • Kamala Harris’ national security adviser, Nancy McEldowney, has quit the vice president’s office, according to Reuters, signifying the tenth key VP staffer to depart since last June amid reports of bullying and a toxic work environment.
  • McEldowney said she is stepping down to “focus on some pressing personal matters.”
  • “This was a difficult decision because I am so deeply committed to the work we do and the crucial national interest we serve. But after more than a year, this is the right decision for my family”, McEldowney was cited as writing.
  • “Vice President Kamala Harris is pleased to announce she is appointing Dr. Philip H. Gordon as Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President. Dr. Gordon brings a wealth of foreign policy experience to the position, including as Deputy National Security Advisor to the Vice President for the past 14 months,” Kamala Harris said in a statement.
  • McEldowney will be succeeded by her deputy Philip Gordon, according to an internal staff memo, Reuters notes.
OTHER STAFFERS WHO QUIT WORKING FOR HARRIS:
  • Director of Digital Strategies Rajun Kaur
  • Director of Advance Karly Satkowiak
  • Deputy Director of Advance Gabrielle DeFranceschi
  • Communications Director Ashley Etienne
  • Chief Spokesperson Symone Sanders
  • Director of Press Operations Peter Velz
  • Deputy Director of Public Engagement Vince Evans
  • Speechwriting Director Kate Childs Graham
  • Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh
BACKGROUND:
  • Sanders and Etienne both quit the VP’s team amid what reports at the time called “entrenched dysfunction and lack of focus.”
  • Harris’ staff was “experiencing low morale, porous lines of communication and diminished trust among aides and senior officials,” Politico reported in July 2021.
  • Former Harris aide Gil Duran, cited by The Washington Post, said Harris adhered to a “soul-destroying” management style.

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