Trump Launches Verbal Attack on Don Lemon Following Arrest at Minnesota Church Protest
In a fiery exchange that has captured national attention, former U.S. President Donald Trump has unleashed a torrent of criticism against independent journalist Don Lemon, labeling him a "sleazebag" and "washed up" in the wake of Lemon's recent arrest. The incident stems from Lemon's involvement in a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, last month, which has now escalated into a legal and media controversy.
The Arrest and Charges Against Don Lemon
According to reports from the U.K.'s Daily Mail, Lemon, 59, was arrested in Los Angeles last week on serious charges including conspiracy to deprive congregants of their rights and interfering with religious freedom in a house of worship. The charges were formally laid after Lemon attended a January protest targeting Pastor David Easterwood, who reportedly works as an agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Despite the severity of the allegations, Lemon was released without bail following his arrest, though he now faces significant legal proceedings ahead.
Trump's Scathing Remarks on Air Force One
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One over the weekend, Trump offered his characteristically blunt assessment of the situation. "I don't know anything about the Don Lemon thing, but he's a sleazebag," Trump declared. "He's a washup. Probably from his standpoint, this is the best thing that could happen to him. He got no viewers. He was a failure. He's a failed host, and now he's in the news. I didn't know anything about it, no."
These comments mark the latest chapter in the long-standing public feud between Trump and Lemon, who has been a vocal critic of the former president throughout his career.
Lemon's Defense: Journalism in Action
In response to the charges and Trump's criticism, Lemon has maintained that he was simply performing his journalistic duties. "I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now," Lemon asserted in a public statement. "There is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable. I look forward to my day in court."
Lemon further elaborated on his Substack platform, invoking biblical scripture to frame his defense. "There is a passage in scripture that says, 'The truth shall set you free,'" Lemon wrote, quoting John 8:32. "But it does not say it will protect you from cages. It does not say it will spare you the consequences of seeing too clearly. It does not say it will make the powerful comfortable."
Controversial History and Professional Background
Don Lemon's career has been marked by both professional achievement and significant controversy. After 17 years with CNN, Lemon was fired from the network in April 2023 following a series of incidents that included what colleagues described as "diva moments," on-air outbursts, and allegations of misogynistic rhetoric.
One particularly notable incident involved Lemon apologizing for on-air comments suggesting Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was past her prime at age 51. Former CNN colleague Soledad O'Brien once remarked on social media: "Don has long had a habit of saying idiotic and inaccurate things."
Legal Proceedings and What Comes Next
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Judge Patricia Donohue rejected federal prosecutors' request for $100,000 bail and permitted Lemon to proceed with a planned sailing trip to France in June, provided it doesn't interfere with upcoming court proceedings in Minnesota. However, the judge has ordered Lemon to "have no contact with victims or witnesses" in the case.
Lemon's next hearing is scheduled for February 9 in Minnesota, where the legal battle will continue to unfold. As this story develops, it raises important questions about the intersection of journalism, protest, and freedom of expression in contemporary American society.
