Cornel West defends donation from Harlan Crow, accuses critics of hypocrisy

2024 independent presidential candidate Cornel West defended himself Thursday against criticism that he took a donation from Harlan Crow — the billionaire whose close relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has recently come under scrutiny amid reports of undisclosed gifts to the associate justice. 

The most recent campaign filings showed Crow gave West, who originally announced he would run as a Green Party candidate, a $3,300 donation, the maximum amount allowed to a campaign. The donation was dated weeks before West announced he would run as an independent. 

“As an independent candidate and a free Black man, I accept donations within the limits of no PACs or corporate interest groups that have strings attached,” West said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “I am unbought and unbossed.”

West continued to defend the contribution, noting he and Crow have political differences but that he’s known Crow for years. He also accused his critics of hypocrisy, stressing he does not accept PAC money.

“I find it hypocritical for those who highlight his $3300 donation to my campaign but can’t say a mumbling word about the PAC-driven billion dollars to support the genocidal attack in Gaza sponsored by their candidate!” West said. “I’m fighting for Truth, Justice, and Love! Onward!”

Crow has donated to other candidates in the 2024 race, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and the super PAC supporting his bid.