Kamala Harris Messes Up Pledge of Allegiance

Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism following a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected senators on Friday, where detractors alleged she stumbled during the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

The incident occurred during one of her final public appearances as vice president, the opening day of the 119th Congress.

Why It Matters

The criticism comes amid ongoing partisan attacks on Harris, particularly targeting her public speaking style. During her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign, Harris was often criticized for delivering speeches that her detractors labeled "word salads," referring to instances where her phrasing or choice of words was perceived as awkward or unclear.

The full pledge, which many American children memorized in school, is as follows: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

What To Know

During Friday's swearing-in ceremony for new senators, Harris presided in her role as president of the Senate. At one point, she began reciting the Pledge of Allegiance but reportedly stopped after saying, "I pledge allegiance to the United States," without finishing the phrase.

Although the moment was brief, and she quickly corrected herself, it was captured on camera and rapidly spread on social media. Critics seized on the incident as evidence of her unfitness for the presidency.

The gaffe revived familiar criticisms of Harris's public speaking and communication style. Early in her presidential campaign, she faced backlash for avoiding media appearances. Later, as she engaged more with the media, even members of her own party criticized her for lacking sharpness in responding to direct questions.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Washington, D.C., on December 9, 2024. Harris appeared to recite the Pledge of Allegiance incorrectly on January 3. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

While the speaker's election dominated the headlines at the opening of the new Congress, the ceremony at the Senate was politically charged, with several newly elected senators having campaigned on sharp criticisms of Harris' leadership and policies. It also brought a roster of history-making members.

In the Senate, Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland were sworn in, marking the first time in the nation's history that two Black women senators will serve at the same time.

Andy Kim of New Jersey is also making history as the first Korean American to join the chamber.

What People Are Saying

Collin Rugg, conservative commentator, on X (formerly Twitter): "Kamala Harris appears to forget the Pledge of Allegiance during the swearing-in ceremony for new senators. This woman is a heartbeat away from being the president."

X user @TheLastDon222: "As the senate leader she's done this many times and never screwed up. I'm going to chalk this up to a lapse. We all have them."

What Happens Next

Following today's ceremony, Harris will continue to preside over Senate proceedings in her capacity as president of the Senate until the new administration takes over. Her role includes overseeing the certification of Donald Trump's presidential victory in a joint session of Congress.