At today’s White House briefing, Fox News’s Ed Henry asked Press Secretary Josh Earnest about last week’s New York Times story about MSNBC host and activist Al Sharpton and an unpaid tax bill of some $4.5 million. Henry set up the question noting the president’s ties to Sharpton. “He is here at the White House frequently as an adviser to the president, the president spoke at his organization,” Henry said, before asking:
Henry: Is the president concerned?
Earnest: The question you are asking underscores the importance that there is not political interference in tax enforcement. I am confident this administration is allowing whatever enforcement procedures are underway to be carried out.
Henry: An adviser to the president should pay his or her taxes?
Earnest: I think every American should pay his or her taxes