Trump campaign files complaint against Harris over taking Biden's funds

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, arguing that US Vice President Kamala Harris could not legally take over funds raised by President Joe Biden's reelection campaign.

Biden, an 81-year-old Democrat who was in a tight race with Republican challenger Donald Trump, endorsed Harris when he ended his reelection bid on Sunday.

Harris quickly took control of Biden's campaign accounts and on Monday night wrapped up the nomination by winning pledges from a majority of the delegates who at next month's party convention will determine the nominee, according to her campaign.

The fight over the accounts, which had roughly $95 million in the bank at the end of June, is part of a multi-pronged effort by Republicans to stymie Harris' bid to lead the Democratic ticket.

The Trump campaign argued on Tuesday that Harris undertook a "brazen money grab," according to the filing by David Warrington, the campaign's general counsel.

In the filing, which was shared with the Reuters news agency, Warrington said Harris was in the process of committing what he described as the "largest campaign finance violation in American history."

Saurav Ghosh, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, a non-partisan watchdog group, has said that because Harris was already part of "Biden for President" as the vice presidential candidate, her claim on the money should be secure.

In any case, election regulators are unlikely to resolve the issue before the November 5 presidential election.

'Jealous Republicans'

Harris' campaign has said it had raised $100 million since Sunday, when Biden stepped back from the campaign and endorsed her — exceeding Biden's remaining tally in just a few days.

Her campaign brushed off the FEC complaint.

"Republicans may be jealous that Democrats are energised to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA allies, but baseless legal claims – like the ones they've made for years to try to suppress votes and steal elections – will only distract them while we sign up volunteers, talk to voters, and win this election," said Harris campaign spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak.

Harris took the spotlight after Biden decided to end his reelection bid on Sunday, becoming the favour.

Her entry not only flips the age issue but puts Trump up against a woman and former prosecutor.

The move has jolted a demoralised Democratic party that Harris could now unify.