Nationwide — A coalition of African American churches is demanding the suspension and investigation of MSNBC host Rev. Al Sharpton, alleging that donations from Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign to Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) have compromised the integrity of both the Black Church and journalism. The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), representing 27.7 million members and 150,000 churches nationwide, has called for transparency regarding the $500,000 donation.According to WCBM, controversy erupted after MSNBC admitted it was “unaware” of payments made by Harris’s campaign to NAN ahead of a favorable interview with Harris on October 20, just weeks before the election. Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings later revealed two $250,000 donations to Sharpton’s nonprofit in September and October. The payments were reportedly part of a $5.4 million campaign effort aimed at increasing Harris’s favorability among Black and Latino voters.
Despite the apparent conflict of interest, Sharpton did not disclose the donations to MSNBC executives or viewers. The Washington Free Beacon, which first broke the story, raised concerns about the ethical implications of the payments, given Sharpton’s influential role as both a network host and civil rights leader. Harris’s strategy, however, did not succeed in the election, as she lost to President-elect Donald Trump.
The NBCI issued a strongly worded statement condemning the lack of transparency surrounding the donations. Rev. Anthony Evans, President of the NBCI, described the situation as a “moral stain” on the Black Church, calling on Sharpton and MSNBC to explain the funds’ purpose and ensure ethical accountability.
“The integrity of the Black Church and journalism cannot be undermined by undisclosed financial dealings,” Evans said. “Rev. Sharpton owes both the community and his viewers a full explanation of these payments, which raise significant questions about impartiality and trust.”
The controversy has placed both Sharpton and MSNBC under scrutiny. Critics argue that the network and Sharpton should have disclosed the financial relationship between Harris’s campaign and NAN, especially given the proximity of the payments to the interview. Supporters of the NBCI’s stance say the issue highlights broader concerns about transparency and ethics in media and politics.
As calls for an investigation grow louder, Sharpton and MSNBC have yet to respond to the NBCI’s demands for clarity. The situation continues to spark debate over the intersection of activism, media, and political influence.