Outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris has become the center of attention due to her actions after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which have ignited debates over propriety during political transitions.

Harris's post-election conduct, coupled with breaches of protocol during the transition to the Trump administration, has drawn widespread scrutiny and criticism, as the Daily Mail reports, with insiders describing her as feeling sad and betrayed.

On Jan. 6, Harris presided over the pivotal ceremony of certifying the electoral college results, which formally named Donald J. Trump the victor of the 2024 presidential race.

Ahead of this event, she released a statement highlighting the fragility of democracy -- a reference widely interpreted as criticism towards Trump for his previous willingness to dispute the 2020 election results.

Breaking With Tradition Stirs Controversy

One notable break from tradition was Harris's decision not to extend an invitation to Vice President-elect JD Vance and his wife, Usha, to visit the official residence they would soon occupy.

This shift deviated from a tradition sustained by former vice presidents, including Dick Cheney and Joe Biden. Presidential historian Kate Andersen Brower criticized this move, describing it as a significant erosion of the ceremonial elements essential to the nation’s democratic processes.

Further complicating relations, reports of delayed and unwilling communication between the Vance team and Navy aides managing the VP residence have emerged. These developments have only fueled discussions on Harris's interpersonal dynamics during this crucial transition period.

Following the election, Harris has seen her approval ratings fall, especially among Democrats, with her favorability dropping by 16 percentage points since the end of December 2023.

Her standing among independents and Republicans has remained low, underscoring the broader challenges she faces in maintaining her public image.

Tensions Among Political Figures

At former President Jimmy Carter's funeral on Jan. 9, Harris and her spouse, Doug Emhoff, reportedly refrained from interacting with several past presidents and first ladies. This behavior raised eyebrows, particularly as she later shared a photograph of the event that conspicuously excluded Donald Trump from the frame.

Historically strained relations between Harris and first lady Jill Biden are said to stem from criticisms exchanged during the 2019 Democratic Party primary debates.

Sources referenced by the Wall Street Journal in early January described interactions between the Bidens and Harris-Emhoff as occasionally cold, indicating ongoing tension behind closed doors.

Compounding these issues, Harris reportedly conveyed disappointment over assertions made by Joe Biden about his potential success had he competed in the 2024 election.

Legacy and Allegations of Management Style

Harris has not escaped scrutiny regarding her past leadership methodologies. As both California's attorney general and subsequently as a senator, allegations surfaced about unproductive working environments and high turnover rates within her team.

In a symbolically harsh gesture, Republican Sen. Deb Fischer's spouse declined to shake hands with Harris during a ceremonial swearing-in on Jan. 6. Harris utilized this incident to drive engagement in a fundraising appeal, reflecting a keen eye on political strategy amid complex interparty dynamics.

Despite the current turbulence, Harris is set to be present at Trump's inauguration ceremony scheduled for Jan. 20. This upcoming event may serve as another critical moment in the evolving narrative of her political career, with experts predicting a challenging experience for Harris.

Looking Ahead to Inauguration Day

Considering future paths, insiders speculate that Harris is evaluating the possibility of mounting a presidential campaign in 2028 or considering a gubernatorial bid in California come 2026.

As her political journey unfolds, maintaining strategic alliances while addressing critical narratives will be vital in shaping her legacy and ambitions.