This is outrageous!
Al Sharpton’s continued presence on MSNBC is raising serious ethical concerns, particularly after revelations that his nonprofit organization, the National Action Network (NAN), received a hefty $500,000 donation from the Kamala Harris campaign ahead of an interview with the Democratic nominee. The donation, which came in two installments of $250,000 in September and October of 2020, was not disclosed by Sharpton during the friendly interview he conducted with Harris on October 20—a conversation in which he praised Harris and wished her a happy birthday.
MSNBC has claimed that they were “unaware” of the donation at the time, but that explanation is starting to ring hollow. After all, Sharpton has a longstanding relationship with the network and was openly supportive of Harris and the Democratic Party throughout the campaign. The lack of transparency raises serious questions about journalistic integrity, especially since Sharpton did not disclose this conflict of interest to his audience or to MSNBC management.
Since the story broke, Sharpton’s guest appearances on MSNBC have slightly decreased, but he remains a prominent figure on the network, continuing to host his weekend show, PoliticsNation, and even appearing on Morning Joe after the scandal made headlines. The Media Research Center noted that while his guest appearances have dipped slightly, it’s likely only a matter of time before Sharpton resumes his regular presence on MSNBC, as the network seems intent on downplaying the controversy.
The situation highlights a disturbing trend in left-wing media where personal and political bias often overshadow journalistic ethics. As conservative media watchdogs like Brent Bozell of the Media Research Center point out, Sharpton’s acceptance of money from a political campaign should be the end of his career as a purported “journalist.” Yet MSNBC continues to provide him with a platform, ignoring the appearance of a clear conflict of interest.
It’s a classic case of “pay to play” journalism—where money changes hands under the guise of unbiased reporting. The mainstream media’s willingness to overlook these ethical lapses only serves to undermine public trust in an already skeptical news environment. Conservatives should continue to hold the media accountable, demanding transparency and integrity, especially when figures like Sharpton are given free rein to push a partisan agenda under the guise of journalism.