Farewell to "Second Daughter," Defending Family and Embracing the Future

Ella Emhoff Reflects on Her Time as "Second Daughter"

On the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration, Ella Emhoff, the step-daughter of Kamala Harris, shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on her time as the "second daughter."

Emhoff, a 25-year-old fashion designer and artist, posted a mirror selfie holding a gold-framed photo of herself and her brother at the inauguration ceremony of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris four years ago.

"I know we are all feeling a lot of emotions today," she wrote. "I'm truly feeling the full spectrum of emotions right now as I reflect on the past 4 years."

"I just want to say I'm so grateful for everyone who has supported me during this period of my life. Some of my highest highs and lowest lows. For those who made it harder, you suck."

"It's been truly insane and [an] honor being the 2nd daughter. Thank you for letting me do it in my own way," she wrote.

Emhoff, once nicknamed the "first daughter of Bushwick," also posted photos of the 2020 inauguration ceremony, where she sported a Covid-era face mask and a plaid Miu Miu coat. Weeks later, she signed a modeling contract.

Emhoff found herself in the crosshairs of the 2024 campaign cycle when JD Vance and others in the MAGA world described Harris as a "childless cat lady," even though she is a stepmother to Ella and her brother Cole.

The sibling pair affectionately refer to her as "Momala."

"I love my three parents."

Kerstin Emhoff, who was married to Doug for 16 years, also defended Harris in the wake of Vance's remark.

"I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.