Trump Unleashes Fury on Former CNN Host Following Federal Indictment
Former President Donald Trump delivered a blistering verbal assault on ex-CNN presenter Don Lemon when journalists aboard Air Force One questioned him about Lemon's recent arrest and federal indictment. The charges stem from a protest that disrupted a religious service at Cities Church in St Paul, Minnesota, last month.
Federal Charges and Church Protest Details
Don Lemon, the 59-year-old former television host, was arrested in Los Angeles and formally indicted on Friday. Federal prosecutors have charged him with conspiracy to deprive congregants of their rights and interfering with religious freedom within a house of worship. These serious allegations follow his attendance at a demonstration on January 18th that interrupted a service at Cities Church.
Following initial court proceedings, Lemon was released without having to post bond. The protest specifically targeted Pastor David Easterwood, who reportedly holds a dual role as a minister and an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Lemon maintains that although he was present at the event, his purpose was purely journalistic—to report on the unfolding situation. Independent journalist Georgia Fort faces identical charges for her participation in the same protest.
Trump's Scathing Remarks from Air Force One
Late on Saturday evening, while traveling aboard the presidential aircraft, reporters pressed Trump for his reaction to Lemon's legal troubles. The former president responded with characteristic bluntness, stating: 'I don't know anything about the Don Lemon thing, but he's a sleazebag.'
Trump continued his tirade, adding: '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 remarks represent a significant escalation in the long-standing public friction between the media personality and the former commander-in-chief.
Lemon's Defiant Response and Media Career
After his release on Friday, Lemon addressed gathered reporters with a firm declaration of his journalistic principles. 'I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,' he asserted. Lemon emphasised the critical importance of a free press, stating: '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's tenure at CNN spanned from 2006 to 2023. Beginning in 2014, he fronted several primetime programmes for the network, including The Eleventh Hour and The Don Lemon Show. His departure from CNN in April 2023 occurred three years before his contract was due to expire in 2026. Reports at the time indicated the network faced challenges booking guests willing to appear alongside him, and viewer polling suggested his popularity had waned.
Since leaving the cable news giant, Lemon has transitioned to independent production, hosting The Don Lemon Show on YouTube, where his channel boasts over one million subscribers.
Media Reaction and White House Social Media Activity
The clip of Trump's criticism received prominent airtime on CNN This Morning the following Sunday. Host Victor Blackwell countered Trump's viewership claims, noting: 'Actually, he has a pretty big audience on YouTube and all the social media as well.' Guest panelist Nicole Carr, a journalist and professor, directly challenged Trump's assertion of ignorance regarding the arrest. 'You know about it,' Carr stated. 'The White House is posting memes and smart takes about "when life gives you lemons." It’s like, cut the crap on that.'
Indeed, on the very day Lemon was indicted, the official White House account on the social media platform X posted an image announcing 'Don Lemon arrested for involvement in the St Paul church riots.' The caption read, 'When life gives you lemons...' accompanied by imagery suggestive of prison shackles, a clear reference to the legal situation.
Mixed Public Reactions on Social Media
The circulation of Trump's comments on X sparked a diverse range of public reactions. One user observed, 'Trump’s reaction is blunt as ever strong words following an already controversial arrest.' Another commented, 'Trump just called Don Lemon a total sleaze bag and failed host—classic no-filter Trump roast! Short and savage.'
However, several users highlighted the apparent contradiction in Trump's statements. One pointed out, 'But he doesn’t know anything about the Don Lemon arrest? Posted yesterday was a meme from the White House on Don’s arrest. Donald’s lying or maybe just doesn’t know what’s going on in the big white house and within his own administration? It’s got to be one or the other.' Another user posted images linking Trump to figures like Jeffrey Epstein alongside the query, 'You know who else is a “SLEAZE BAG?”' referencing allegations in recently released court documents.
This incident underscores the ongoing, highly charged intersection of media, politics, and legal accountability in the current public discourse.
