Rev. Al Sharpton, the controversial MSNBC host and founder of the National Action Network (NAN), has faced mounting scrutiny for his financial dealings.

A deep dive into NAN’s tax records reveals Sharpton has awarded himself nearly $1 million in bonuses over seven years while continuing to position himself as a civil rights leader.

“Al Sharpton pocketed nearly $1 million in bonuses from his National Action Network nonprofit” – https://t.co/06FcqDISWb

— Albertteac (@Albertteac) December 12, 2024

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As The New York Post reported, Sharpton introduced “bonus & incentive compensation” payments to himself in 2014, beginning with a modest $64,400.

From there, the payouts grew considerably. In 2016, he collected a staggering $437,555 bonus—nearly double his $250,000 base salary.

Two years later, he gave himself $159,596 in bonuses on top of his $324,000 salary, with an additional $563,352 listed under “other reportable compensation.”

By 2021, Sharpton’s bonuses totaled $278,503—amounting to approximately 80% of his $348,174 base salary that year.

In total, the reverend’s bonuses from his nonprofit have raked in $940,054 between 2014 and 2021. Despite repeated inquiries, NAN has remained silent on these eyebrow-raising financial practices.

Adding fuel to the fire, recent revelations link NAN to a significant payment from Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Federal Election Commission filings show Harris’ campaign funneled $500,000 to NAN in the weeks leading up to a friendly October 20, 2020, interview with Sharpton.

The payments—split into two $250,000 donations—came just before the election, raising questions about the ethical lines blurred between journalism, activism, and politics.

Sharpton’s MSNBC bosses claim they were “unaware” of the payments, and the host himself failed to disclose the financial connection on-air during or after the interview.

Critics have labeled the arrangement a “pay-to-play” scheme. Yet Sharpton continues to host his weekend MSNBC show and frequently appears on high-profile programs like Morning Joe and The ReidOut.

Founded by Sharpton in 1991, NAN bills itself as “one of the leading civil rights organizations” with the motto, “No Justice, No Peace.” However, critics argue that its focus on activism seems overshadowed by Sharpton’s self-enrichment and political alliances.

While Sharpton’s defenders praise his work in civil rights, his financial dealings have cast a long shadow over his leadership and raised questions about his nonprofit’s true priorities.

As questions linger about ethics and accountability, one thing is clear: Sharpton’s wallet has benefited handsomely from the organization he leads, raising serious concerns about whether NAN’s mission aligns with its actions.

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