As US Vice President Kamala Harris gears up for her presidential debate against former President Donald Trump this November, her campaign benefits from the expertise of Karen Dunn, a prominent attorney at Paul, Weiss. However, Dunn’s dual role as Harris’s debate coach and lead defender for Google in a major antitrust trial has raised concerns.
Dunn, who has been preparing Harris for debates, is simultaneously representing Google in a high-profile case initiated by the Biden administration, accusing the tech giant of monopolizing the online advertising market. This overlap has caused unease among antitrust experts who worry that Dunn’s connection to Harris might conflict with the government’s legal efforts against Google.
Critics argue that Dunn’s involvement with both Google and Harris could undermine the government’s case. Matt Stoller from the American Economic Liberties Project commented, “It’s clear that you can’t serve both sides. If these were legal cases, she would be ethically barred from doing what she’s doing.”
Dunn, known for her work with Democratic candidates and tech giants, delivered Google’s opening statement in the trial on September 9. Later the same day, she joined Kamala Harris’s team in Pittsburgh for final debate preparations.
Her extensive career includes roles with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and she has also represented companies like Apple and Uber. Dunn’s current roles highlight the challenging balance between legal and political spheres, with critics questioning how her dual responsibilities might affect both the debate and the ongoing antitrust litigation against Google.
Republicans have criticized the situation, claiming it reveals Harris’s potential unwillingness to challenge Big Tech, while House Republicans seek clarity from Attorney General Merrick Garland on managing potential conflicts of interest.
Neither Google nor the Harris campaign has commented on the matter. Despite the scrutiny, Dunn continues to be a central figure in both high-stakes arenas, demonstrating her significant influence in both politics and law.