Top aide to leave White House
Harris spokesperson Sanders 2nd to depart
WASHINGTON – Symone Sanders, Vice President Kamala Harris’ chief spokesperson and senior adviser, is leaving the White House at the end of the year, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the announcement.
The announcement follows a string of media reports of turmoil within the vice president’s office and tension between Harris and the West Wing. White House officials and Harris herself have disputed those claims but Sanders’ exit marks the second departure from the vice president’s office within weeks.
Ashley Etienne, Harris’ communications director, announced last month she would leave her role to “pursue other opportunities.”
Harris, the first female vice president and the first Black and South Asian American person to hold the office, has been a frequent target of criticism for her role overseeing intractable issues like addressing the root causes of immigration, voting rights and access to abortion.
Her poll numbers reflect the political challenge. A USA Today/suffolk poll released last month shows 28% of Americans approve of her job performance.
Sanders, 31, has been one of Harris’ fiercest defenders. She served as a spokesperson for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT., before joining the Biden campaign as an adviser for his 2020 bid.
Sanders did not immediately return a call for comment on news of her departure.