CNN defends Don Lemon after arrest of ex-host over anti-ICE protest coverage

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CNN issued a press release defending former worker, Don Lemon, after the ex-CNN host was arrested in reference to a viral protest by anti-ICE agitators that disrupted a church service at a St. Paul, Minnesota church.

“The FBl’s arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly regarding questions on press freedom and the First Modification,” the community mentioned in a statement. “The Division of Justice already failed twice to get an arrest warrant for Don and several other different journalists in Minnesota, the place a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Courtroom discovered there was ’no proof’ that there was any felony conduct concerned of their work.”

Earlier this month, Lemon livestreamed left-wing agitators who stormed St. Paul’s Cities Church amid suspicion that its pastor had collaborated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Lemon informed viewers that “the liberty to protest” is what the First Modification is all about, however Justice Division officers have been working to carry the members accountable.

“The First Amendment in the US protects journalists who bear witness to information and occasions as they unfold, guaranteeing they will report freely within the public curiosity, and the DOJ’s makes an attempt to violate these rights is unacceptable,” CNN mentioned. “We can be following this case carefully.”

Don Lemon livestreamed left-wing agitators who stormed St. Paul’s Cities Church below the suspicion that its pastor had collaborated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). (Arturo Holmes/Getty Photos)

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Lemon was fired by CNN in 2023 and has since began his personal present by way of YouTube and Substack. The previous CNN host, who had been with CNN for 17 years, was embroiled in a number of scandals on the community earlier than his firing.

A number of members of the media have come to Lemon’s protection, together with a few of his former colleagues.

CNN’s Dana Bash questioned Lawyer Normal Todd Blanche on Sunday about Lemon’s arrest. Bash requested Blanche if the arrest was about attempting to make an instance out of Lemon, a vocal critic of the president.

“Backside-line query for you is, was this actually about what you simply described, or was it about attempting to make an instance out of any person who the president has sparred with?” Bash requested Blanche throughout “State of the Union.”

Don Lemon speaks to the media after a listening to on the Edward R. Roybal Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles on January 30, 2026. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP by way of Getty Photos)

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“I don’t even know that the president’s even ever considered Don Lemon,” mentioned Blanche. “I don’t know whether or not that’s true or not. However I’ll inform you, we’re not making examples of individuals.”

Trump referred to as Lemon a “sleazebag” whereas talking to reporters.

Lemon thanked multiple CNN reporters and the community throughout his podcast on Friday.

“I’ve heard that CNN launched a press release. Thanks very a lot. I’ve no animist for CNN. I’ve no animist for anybody, however I inform the reality about what I see, and I feel it is time for all journalists to face up for one another,” he mentioned.