US Vice President Kamala Harris and her family will maintain the highest ethical standards, her spokesperson said, stating that as per White House policy her name should not be used in connection with any commercial activity. This development comes following the fact that the White House has asked Meena Harris, niece of the vice president, to stop "using her aunt to boost her brand".
Speaking to news agency PTI, Sabrina Singh, Deputy Press Secretary to the Vice President said, "The Vice President and her family will uphold the highest moral standards and it is the White House's policy that the Vice President's name should not be used in connection with any commercial activities that could reasonably be understood to imply an endorsement or support.”
The White House has warned Meena to not use her aunt’s fame in building her brand. After Joe Biden and Harris have won the election, the transition team’s ethics lawyers have directed Meena that she could no longer manufacture her clothing line or write books with Harris’s name or likeness on them.
The White House officials have said that previously Harris-themed sweatshirts, swimsuits and other products were being sold, but these are not allowed under current rules.
Kamala Harris' niece Meena has been in several news reports since Harris became VP of the United States.
"The @meena problem goes global," wrote Politico last week, accusing Meena of interfering with India’s politics.
"Her (Meena's) series of posts have helped provoke a backlash from the Indian government and some of its supporters, adding an unexpected wrinkle to India-US relations, just as Biden is seeking to engage with the country's leaders," Politico reported.
Also Read: White House warns Kamala Harris - niece, Meena Harris from using her aunt's fame to build her brand
However, the White House described it as views of a citizen.
Retweeting the news story of the arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi, Meena in her tweet wrote, "What is happening in India is terrifying.” She had also shown her support for the protesting farmers. Although, the White House believes that the India-US relationship will have no impact from Meena’s tweets.