It has been almost a week since Al Sharpton’s tax issues became news to everyone thanks to The New York Times’s in-depth story.
Well, almost everyone.
According to White House spokesman Josh Earnest, the White House has not read the story or reports that the frequent White House adviser and MSNBC host has “$4.5 million in current state and federal tax liens against him and his for-profit businesses,” according to The Times.
Over the past two months, Sharpton has advised the White House on its future dealings with the GOP-controlled Congress, while aiding the president in his search for Attorney General Eric Holder’s replacement. (RELATED: Al Sharpton Talking To The White House About New Attorney General Pick)
Earnest revealed this during a back-and-forth with Fox News’ Ed Henry during Monday’s briefing.
“Is the White House concerned that he hasn’t paid his taxes?” asked the Fox White House correspondent.
“Ed, I have to be honest with you, I haven’t read those stories,” claimed Earnest. “I can tell you that the question you are asking, though, does illustrate the kind of important and justified restrictions that there are on political interference with any sort of tax investigations and tax enforcement. So, I’m confident that this administration is allowing whatever enforcement procedures that are underway to be carried out.”
“But an adviser to the president, shouldn’t they pay his or her taxes?” Henry questioned Earnest.
“I’m sorry?” asked Earnest.
“An adviser to the president should pay their taxes…” Henry asked again.
“I think every American should pay his or her taxes,” responded Earnest before moving on.