Former Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, sparked controversy during a recent grocery shopping trip in Westwood, California.
The couple was spotted at the 99 Ranch Market Asian grocery store, drawing criticism for carrying plastic bags—a surprising move given Harris’s previous stance on environmental issues.
Harris, 60, has been a vocal advocate for reducing plastic waste, notably calling for a ban on plastic straws during her 2019 presidential campaign. Fans and environmental advocates were quick to call out the apparent contradiction, with many expressing disappointment over the use of plastic bags during the outing.
Adding to the scrutiny, ongoing rumors surrounding the state of Harris and Emhoff’s marriage have kept the couple in the public eye. However, the grocery run has shifted attention to environmental concerns.
Social media erupted with reactions, including one comment on X (formerly Twitter) that read, “WTF? Is that Kamala Harris toting a #plastic bag of groceries?? What an out-of-touch HYPOCRITE with zero self-awareness!”
The backlash comes as Harris’s actions appear to contradict her previous environmental advocacy. During a CNN climate change town hall in September 2019, Harris endorsed the idea of banning single-use plastics. When asked if she supported such a measure, she responded, “I think we should, yes.”
She acknowledged challenges with eco-friendly alternatives, laughing as she admitted, “It’s difficult to drink out of a paper straw,” and suggested there was room for improvement in sustainable options. “We gotta kind of perfect that one a little bit more,” Harris added.
The recent grocery store outing has reignited debates about consistency between public figures’ policies and personal practices, further fueling discussions around Harris’s environmental commitment.
