Vice President Kamala Harris stumbled while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on the Senate floor during the swearing-in ceremony as the 118th Congress convened.
It comes after Harris faced a decisive defeat in the 2024 presidential election to President Donald Trump.
Harris is now continuing to fulfill her duties as her term draws to a close, now largely in a ceremonial capacity.
On Friday, she presided over the swearing-in of new senators and representatives as the 118th Congress convened.
This is a standard function for the sitting VP, who also serves as president of the Senate until the expiration of their term.
However, the event, meant to be a ceremonial display of unity and tradition, quickly turned awkward when Harris struggled to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
As she stood on the Senate floor to guide the assembly through the patriotic ritual, Harris fumbled through the lines of one of the nation’s most iconic statements.
“Join me in pledging allegiance to our flag,” Harris began, pausing slightly.
“I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands…”
She faltered as she continued, prompting a moment of discomfort for those in attendance.
A video clip of the moment was shared by popular X account Johnny MAGA, who commented:
“Kamala just screwed up the pledge of allegiance on the Senate floor.
“What an embarrassment to this country.”
WATCH:
HOLY SMOKES.
Kamala just screwed up the pledge of allegiance on the Senate floor.
What an embarrassment to this country. pic.twitter.com/02NytVYKYV
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) January 3, 2025
The Pledge of Allegiance, a staple in American culture and a symbol of unity, is typically recited without difficulty, especially by those holding such high-profile positions as the vice president.
The incident left many questioning Harris’s grasp of a fundamental patriotic statement, further emphasizing the sense that her post-election activities have lacked the momentum typically expected from someone in her position.
Harris’s role as vice president has been marred by the fallout from the 2024 election results.
During the November elections, Harris’s political party suffered significant losses.
Her time in office, which was initially seen as a historic achievement, now appears to be coming to an uneventful close.
Harris’s ceremonial responsibilities are becoming more routine as the country shifts its focus to the incoming Republican leadership.
In the aftermath of the 2024 elections, the Republican Party claimed victory in the presidential race and successfully flipped the Senate.
Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) emerged as the new Senate majority leader, further solidifying the Republican Party’s control of both chambers of Congress.
Harris’s fumbling of the Pledge of Allegiance during such a public event raised eyebrows, with many questioning her effectiveness and readiness for her remaining duties as vice president.
With less than a year remaining in her term, it is unclear whether she will be able to regain the stature and influence that initially accompanied her election as the first female vice president in U.S. history.
As the 118th Congress begins its work under Republican leadership, Harris’s role as vice president appears to be largely symbolic.
While she continues to fulfill constitutional duties, her public appearances and actions have increasingly taken on a more ceremonial tone.
The question remains whether her remaining time in office will be marked by meaningful contributions or further awkward moments like the one witnessed during the swearing-in of the new Congress.
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