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Even more troubling, Rufo detailed how Harris allegedly plagiarized text from a press release by John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The press release described a drug prevention initiative in High Point, North Carolina, and Harris apparently used its language to highlight the program’s success in her book. Entire paragraphs describing the strategy’s impact and its replication in other cities were allegedly copied without attribution, creating the impression that Harris and her co-author Joan O’C Hamilton were responsible for the original content.
Rufo wasn’t hesitant to criticize Harris for what he sees as a pattern of rhetorical manipulation. He noted, “Kamala Harris has become famous, in part, for her unique rhetorical style. She switches freely between various accents and peppers her speeches with catchphrases: pondering falling ‘out of a coconut tree,’ discussing ‘the significance of the passage of time,’ and moving the nation toward ‘what can be, unburdened by what has been.’” His critique highlighted that Harris’s verbal style might mask a deeper issue with originality and integrity in her writing.
Perhaps the most damning allegation is that Harris reportedly lifted material directly from Wikipedia—a source often criticized for its unreliability. According to Rufo’s findings, Harris copied entire passages from a Wikipedia entry about a New York court program, failing to credit the source. Rufo also discovered that Harris misrepresented a key figure related to illegal vending in New York City, which stemmed from a misinterpretation of the Wikipedia article.
The plagiarism accusations extend even further. Harris allegedly incorporated sections of a Bureau of Justice Assistance report into her book without giving proper credit. This report outlined crime reduction efforts in cities like West Palm Beach, Florida, and Harris’s use of the material was apparently copied word-for-word. Once again, no citations were provided.
Rufo’s investigation also revealed instances where Harris allegedly copied from government documents, nonprofit reports, and media sources. For example, when describing a nonprofit organization, she allegedly used promotional language directly from an Urban Institute report, but without any citation. These repeated instances of uncited work, according to Rufo, undermine the credibility of Harris’s book and call into question her reputation as a leader in criminal justice reform.
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Plagiarism, often described as an “academic crime,” could severely damage Harris’s standing as she continues her political ascent. While many public figures rely on ghostwriters, they are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the work attributed to them is original and properly sourced. Rufo concluded his report by demanding that Harris and her publisher publicly correct the record and retract the plagiarized sections of the book.
This controversy may have long-lasting consequences for Harris as she eyes higher office. As the accusations gain traction, questions about her trustworthiness and commitment to ethical standards will likely grow louder. The American public, already divided over her leadership, may find these allegations difficult to overlook.
