Reverend Al Sharpton

REV. AL SHARPTON AND NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK TO HONOR CHAMPIONS OF CIVIL RIGHTS, CULTURE, AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE AT 2026 TRIUMPH AWARDS AT CARNEGIE HALL ON NOVEMBER 6th Lonnie G. Bunch III, Tamron Hall, Jadakiss, Lynn Whitfield, and Robert L. Greene to be recognized for their contributions to American culture, social justice, and economic opportunity

On MS NOW’s Deadline: White House, I questioned Congressman James Walkinshaw of Virginia about reports surrounding President Donald Trump’s controversial pardons and allegations that money and political connections have influenced who receives them. What stood out to me was the suggestion that Trump was more concerned about not receiving a cut of the money than whether he had been misled into granting a pardon or whether corruption was involved. Congressman Walkinshaw raised broader concerns about individuals allegedly paying for access to pardons, including cases where convicted fraudsters were relieved of their obligation to repay victims. These allegations raise serious questions about the integrity of the pardon process and whether justice is being served or sold to those who can afford it.

On MSNOW’s #DeadlineWhiteHouse, we discussed the growing backlash against Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over his campaign’s deeply personal attack ad targeting Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton in Ohio. This is about character, judgment, and basic human decency. To exploit a painful family history for political gain, and then double down when confronted with the facts, raises serious questions about whether voters can trust you to govern. There ought to be a level of morality and decency required of anyone seeking public office. The people of Ohio deserve nothing less.

On MSNOW’s #DeadlineWhiteHouse with Nicolle Wallace, I discussed a young woman’s question about the rising cost of housing, raising children, and achieving the American Dream, and the response she received from Vice President JD Vance. When young people are asking serious questions about their economic future and their ability to build families, they deserve serious answers, not distractions or off color jokes. I raised concerns about the impact of tariffs, rising grocery and gas prices, and the war with Iran on the very families this administration says it wants to support. You cannot preach family values without addressing the economic realities facing families across this country.

On MSNOW’s #DeadlineWhiteHouse, we discussed concerns surrounding potential challenges to the results of the November 3 midterm elections. My concern is not simply about legal challenges in the courtroom, but the possibility of efforts to disrupt the certification process at state capitols. As I emphasized, we must be vigilant in protecting the integrity of that process and ensuring that election officials can carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or interference. The democratic process does not end when the polls close. The certification of election results is just as critical.

“DETROIT — As concerns about voter intimidation and election interference grow ahead of Election Day, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist reassured voters that they can cast their ballots without fear. The two spoke Tuesday morning outside of Wayne County Community College District’s Northwest Campus, an early voting site, alongside volunteers from Vote Safe, an organization that helps minority residents overcome fears of voting. Statewide early voting began Saturday and runs through Nov. 1. Registered voters can cast their ballots in person at their local early voting site. “You can be confident that we’ll be on the ground … all over this city to make sure that they won’t be allowed to intimidate you, block you or stop you from voting,” the Rev. Sharpton said during the press conference. “Do not have any fear because we are here to … protect your vote.” The press conference came just days after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced in a press release that the U.S. Department of Justice will send federal election monitors to polling locations in Detroit, East Lansing, Flint, Grand Rapids, Hamtramck, Lansing and Warren on Election Day. The DOJ also sent federal monitors to Detroit, East Lansing and Lansing in August during the primary election. And in September, Markwayne Mullin, the U.S. homeland security secretary said that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers could also be sent to polling sites across the country. Sharpton urged voters not to let concerns about intimidation keep them from the polls. “People cheat and part of cheating is to scare you,” he said. “They don’t have to rob you if you don’t show up but if you don’t show up, you rob yourself.” “I’m telling you to ‘melt the ICE’ and come out and vote. It is time to make democracy work,” Sharpton said. As part of those efforts, Vote Safe, a project of the Save America Movement, will deploy volunteers outside of polling locations across Wayne…”- full article via michiganadvance.com/2026/10/… #Vote #VoteSafe

Practice what I preach! I went and did early voting this morning and posed for pics with fellow voters and poll workers. #VOTE🗳️ instagram.com/reel/DfHvx76xK…

Did you tune in to “Exhale Friday” on Keepin’ it Real w/ Al Sharpton? 📻 Tune in Monday-Friday from 1-4pm ET on local stations & SiriusXM 126 💻 Watch the livestream on NAN’s YouTube & Facebook youtube.com/live/h6KpzGxiFh8… 📞 Call in & join the conversation, 8775325797

At NAN Corporate on Zoom meetings earlier today.

Appearing on MSNOW’s The Beat with Ari Melber, I spoke with Ari and Ali Velshi about the shifting political landscape in states like Mississippi and South Carolina ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections. Voters are feeling the impact of rising gas prices and the cost of living, and no amount of political messaging can convince them to ignore what they are experiencing every day. We also discussed the growing energy among Black voters, particularly in Mississippi, where Democratic candidate Scott Colom is challenging Republican Senator Cindy Hyde Smith. When voters see credible candidates and believe their voices can make a difference, it can change the political landscape. #TheBeatWithAri instagram.com/reel/DfGxah9RO…

On MS NOW’s The Beat with Ari Melber, I spoke with Ari about President Donald Trump’s declining support and the growing disconnect between the image he campaigned on and the reality of his presidency. Trump built his political identity around being an outsider who challenged the establishment and understood the frustrations of everyday Americans. Now, with gold plated decorations, extravagant ballroom plans, and more, he has become the very image of the establishment he once claimed to oppose. The voters who believed he was fighting for them are beginning to see the difference between the promises he made and the priorities he has demonstrated, particularly as we approach the midterm elections. #TheBeatWithAri instagram.com/reel/DfGtkungK…

Appearing on The Beat with Ari Melber on MS NOW earlier today, I discussed how President Donald Trump’s priorities and continued focus on personal vanity projects are overshadowing the real economic challenges facing American families. While Americans struggle with rising grocery prices, gas prices, and the cost of living, Trump continues to flaunt his wealth and extravagant renovations. He is playing The Great Gatsby while everyday Americans are being told, “Let them eat cake,” and there is no cake. We also discussed former President Barack Obama’s recent comparison of Trump’s White House renovations to The Cheesecake Factory and how Republicans have deliberately missed the point. Obama was criticizing the appearance of the White House, not the restaurant or the families who dine there. The larger issue is how out of touch this administration has become with the everyday concerns of the American people. #TheBeatWithAri instagram.com/reel/DfGqRXGgk…

Our National Action Network Manager of Religious Affairs and External Relations, Trudy Grant, sent me this photo on display at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. It captures a historic moment on election night in 2008, when I stood alongside now Senator Raphael Warnock in Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pulpit at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, as Barack Obama made history by becoming the first Black person elected President of the United States. A moment I will never forget, and one that remains an important chapter in American history.

Earlier this week on MS NOW’s #MorningJoe, we spoke with Lonnie Ali, the wife of the late Muhammad Ali, about his extraordinary legacy and the upcoming series The Greatest, which explores his life and journey beyond the boxing ring. Having known Muhammad Ali personally for many years, I reflected on a side of him that is often overlooked which was his deep spirituality, commitment to his convictions, and desire to bring people together, even during some of the most challenging periods of his life. Lonnie shared how the series will introduce new generations to the man behind the legend, including his struggles, principles, and determination to lift others as he rose. At a time when our country faces deep divisions, Ali’s courage, conviction, and commitment to unity remain as relevant as ever. #TheGreatest premieres Wednesday, November 4, on Prime Video. instagram.com/reel/DfFjzZ_hv…

Earlier this week on MS NOW’s #MorningJoe, I underlined the growing enthusiasm and momentum among voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, following my recent travels to Atlanta, Nashville, and Detroit, where I witnessed firsthand the energy surrounding early voting and voter mobilization efforts. I also spoke with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill about the importance of building broad coalitions across working class communities, organized labor, urban centers, and suburban voters to win elections and effectively govern. Governor Sherrill emphasized that listening to voters and addressing the rising cost of living are essential to bringing communities together. instagram.com/reel/DfFiLaHNF…

Posing with Lonnie Ali, wife of Muhammad Ali at MS NOW studios. We did Morning Joe together this week.

On back to back Zoom calls from NAN Corporate this week.

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