Others have experienced burnout from the demands that come with working at the White House or believe they can find better employment opportunities elsewhere.

One Democrat close to Ms Harris’ office told Axios that the departures were increasing pressure on chief of staff Tina Fluornoy. 

“If we mess this up, it’s going to set women back when it comes to running for higher office for years to come,” the operative said.

The most prominent staffing exits are those of Symone Sanders, the vice president’s spokeswoman and most prominent public defender, and her communications director Ashley Etienne.

Two other senior staff, director of press operations Peter Velz, and the deputy director of Ms Harris’ office of public engagement, Vince Evans, are also reportedly leaving their posts.

Ms Sanders’ friends insist her departure is not linked to the criticisms of the vice president’s communications strategy.

The 31-year-old is hoping to promote her book, “No, You Shut Up,” which was published in the midst of the pandemic and while she was busy working on Mr Biden’s 2020 campaign.

It is not unusual for senior staff to leave a year into a new administration, with many trading the cache of their White House titles for better paid positions in the private sector.