Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
MSNBC Suspends Joe Scarborough For Donations
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 19, 2010
Modified Nov 19, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 19, 2010
Modified Nov 19, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Call it the Olbermann Effect: After revealing that Keith Olbermann had donated to political campaigns (against NBC News policy), leading to his brief suspension from MSNBC, Politico has once again found out about the undisclosed political donations of another MSNBC personality. This time, it's former Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough. Politico reports, "MSNBC said Friday that it is suspending 'Morning Joe' co-host Joe Scarborough for two days after he acknowledged giving eight previously unknown $500 contributions to friends and family members running for state and local offices during his tenure at the network, a violation of parent NBC’s ban on political contributions by employees without specific permission from the network president." So, is the show going to be called "Morning Mika" for those two days?
The website explained, "POLITICO had sought comment from the network after finding evidence that Scarborough gave at least five separate previously unknown $500 contributions while serving as an MNBC host - all to Republican candidates to whom he was close who were running for state legislative seats in or near Scarborough’s hometown of Pensacola, Fla. After being contacted by POLITICO about the donations, Scarborough voluntarily disclosed three other $500 contributions to a friend running for county office in Florida."
When Olbermann's donations became an issue a few weeks ago, MSNBC president Phil Griffin said he spoke to Scarborough, but Scarborough "did not recall these contributions." Scarborough said in a statement, "I recognize that I have a responsibility to honor the guidelines and conditions of my employment, and I regret that I failed to do so in this matter. I apologize to MSNBC and to anyone who has been negatively affected by my actions," but added, "Despite the fact that these races were local and not relevant to my work at MSNBC I have been told they violated MSNBC guidelines... I recognize that I have a responsibility to honor the guidelines and conditions of my employment, and I regret that I failed to do so in this matter. I apologize to MSNBC and to anyone who has been negatively affected by my actions.” He also characterized the donations as ones to longtime friends, versus him having some sort of political stake in them.
Scarborough has been mentioned lately as a possible running mate for Mayor Bloomberg's 2012 presidential run, which Bloomberg continues to deny.
Tagged
joe scarborough
keith olbermann
msnbc
political contribution
political donation
suspension
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Bronx community hosts vigil for boy killed in e-bike fire
Zion Maine died Wednesday after a lithium-ion battery ignited, killing him and injuring four members of his family.
By
Carol Chen
Published Oct 29, 2026 at 9:22 p.m. ET
8 people charged in $7M SNAP benefit fraud scheme
The scam impacted thousands of people, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
8 people charged in $7M SNAP benefit fraud scheme
The scam impacted thousands of people, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
By
Giulia Heyward
California man was shot by a NJ detective in Moonachie, officials say
By
Kaya Laterman
The NYPD is confiscating e-bikes along a clogged East Village street
By
Willow Higgins
New Yorkers enrolled in SNAP will get more money for fresh produce next year
By
Giulia Heyward
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .