After Biden picked Kamala as his running mate in August, Meena convinced the Biden team to sell a shirt in the campaign store bearing her name and that of fellow influencer Cleo Wade. The shirt read “THE FIRST BUT NOT THE LAST,” alongside a picture of a young Kamala, referencing Kamala’s historical swearing-in as first female vice president.
The Biden campaign agreed, but by Sept. 6, Meena’s name had been removed as a collaborator, according to an internet archive dug up by Politico.
“For appearance sake, Meena’s name was removed because we didn’t want to make it seem or appear that she would be benefiting or profiting from the campaign,” a White House official said.
Meena's new production company is also raising issues.
the day before Inauguration Day, Supermajority Education Fund released this ad that Meena and the company produced. She declined to say if they paid her. pic.twitter.com/jnzmeq5xNp
— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) January 30, 2021
Biden Family Business as Usual
After members of President Biden’s family appeared to profit off his political sway during his years as senator and vice president, the White House has tried to distance itself from any further ethical violations.
“It’s the White House’s policy that the president’s name should not be used in connection with any commercial activities to suggest or in any way, in any way they could reasonably be understood to imply his endorsement or support,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.