Kamala Harris attended her first-ever Met Gala in New York City on Monday night.
The former vice president skipped the red carpet and entered quietly with her husband, Doug Emhoff. But the low-profile entry didn’t stop the backlash.
Critics were quick to react to Harris’ attendance, saying she was out of touch with the working class, pointing to the event’s steep $75,000 ticket price.
Highlights
- Kamala Harris attended her first Met Gala with $75,000 tickets.
- Critics called Harris 'tone deaf' for attending an elite event that conflicts with her image as a public servant for everyday people.
- Harris' high-profile appearances fuel speculation about a possible political comeback, including a run for California governor or 2028 presidency.
Kamala Harris made her Met Gala debut with $75,000 tickets
“Not even pretending to be in touch with everyday Americans, I see,” one social media user wrote.
Other social media users called her appearance “tone deaf” and “out of touch.”
“Kamala Harris attended the Met Gala tonight, which is perfectly on brand for the Democrat Party,” another added.
“An elite bougie event where celebrities traipse up a staircase in wildly expensive outfits. Sounds about right!”
A table at the Met Gala can cost up to $350,000. Many online said it was not the place for a public figure who claims to fight for everyday Americans.
Critics highlighted the contrast between Harris' expensive Met Gala tickets and her working-class image
Image credits: Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Talking to Vogue, Harris revealed that her attendance was to support the Costume Institute’s effort to highlight how art and fashion shape society and politics.
“Art has always had a significant impact on not just culture, but also our policies and politics,” she told Vogue. “Artistic expression—whether it’s dance, music, visual arts, or fashion—has a way of capturing the mood and language of the people without words.
“Art has the power to shape the conversation about where we are today and where we need to go.”
Each year, the Met Gala picks a theme tying fashion to deeper cultural or historical ideas. These themes let designers and celebrities turn clothes into statements about identity, art, and the times we live in.
The theme of this year’s Gala was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” exploring the history of Black dandyism.
Harris wore a custom black-and-white gown by Off-White, designed by creative director IB Kamara. The design featured a flowing scarf, a single statement sleeve, and a pleated skirt. Emhoff wore a tuxedo by Brunello Cucinelli.
Harris has historically used fashion to express her identity, be it donning Converse on the campaign trail, pearls for her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority roots, and a “coconut brown” Chloé suit at last year’s Democratic convention.
Harris and Emhoff were also seen dining the night before at The Polo Bar, one of Manhattan’s most exclusive and expensive restaurants. The couple arrived and left surrounded by at least 25 Secret Service agents and NYPD officers, with four bulletproof cars and three SUVs.
Her presence at high-profile spots and luxury events is fueling talk about her next political move.
Harris recently gave a major speech at the 20th-anniversary gala of Emerge America, an organization that supports women interested in entering politics. The speech in San Francisco was her first since losing the 2024 election to Donald Trump.
She criticized President Trump’s economic policies, accusing him of the “greatest man-made economic crisis,” and hinted at a political comeback.
According to CNN, Harris’ advisors have told her she would need to make her intentions clear by the summer of 2025 if she intends to enter the California governor’s race.
But with competition from Democratic former representative Katie Porter and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, among others, Harris may have to make a decision soon.
Harris' high-profile appearances hint at a political comeback
Image credits: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images
Harris has reportedly not ruled out the possibility of running for president again in 2028.
Sources close to her told CBS News she is still considering her options.
The Met Gala is no stranger to politicians. New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have attended in recent years.
Hillary Clinton also returned to the Gala in 2022, after first attending in 2001.
Harris remains in New York and is expected to attend a fundraising event for the Democratic National Committee on Tuesday.