Don Lemon Cries Harder Over Trump

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon launched a furious attack on corporate media executives this week, accusing them of surrendering to President Donald Trump—just one day after Lemon himself was arrested in Minnesota following a disruptive protest at a church.

Now working as an independent commentator, Lemon used his online show to vent frustration at what he described as media companies that refuse to openly challenge the Trump administration.

“The way you deal with a bully is not to bend the knee,” Lemon said. “It’s to say no—and to stop letting politicians and corporate power decide what journalists can and cannot cover.”

Arrest Follows Disruption at Minnesota Church

Lemon’s remarks came after federal authorities took him into custody early Friday in connection with a January 18 incident at Cities Church in St. Paul. According to Attorney General Pam Bondi, the event involved what she described as a “coordinated action” that disrupted a religious service.

Federal officials say a group of activists entered the church during worship, chanting slogans after learning that one pastor was believed to have ties to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Lemon and several other journalists were present documenting the protest as it unfolded.

Eight individuals—including Lemon—were later indicted under the FACE Act, a federal law designed to protect houses of worship from interference, threats, or obstruction. Lemon was released a few hours after his arrest.

Lemon Claims Journalism Protection, White House Backs Arrests

Lemon and fellow journalist Georgia Fort have argued they were not protesters, but reporters covering a public event, and say their actions are protected by the First Amendment.

The White House, however, defended the arrests, framing them as enforcement of long-standing federal law rather than an attack on the press. Supporters say the case reinforces that no one—including media figures—is above the law.

Press advocacy groups criticized the move, warning it could discourage aggressive reporting. The administration rejected that claim.

CNN Condemns Arrest—Despite Firing Lemon in 2023

Lemon’s former employer, CNN, issued a statement calling the arrest “unacceptable,” despite having fired Lemon in 2023 following internal controversies.

Lemon thanked CNN for its support but quickly turned his criticism toward corporate leadership, arguing that executives—not journalists—are shaping newsroom decisions.

He specifically targeted Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, along with CBS and its owner Paramount.

“Get your hands out of the newsroom,” Lemon said, insisting journalists should operate without corporate pressure.

Media Settlements Fuel Hypocrisy Claims

Lemon’s outburst comes as major media companies face criticism for quietly settling lawsuits with President Trump rather than fighting them in court.

Last summer, Paramount reportedly paid $16 million to resolve a lawsuit involving a 60 Minutes interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which aired ahead of the 2024 election.

For many conservatives, the episode highlights a familiar pattern: media figures who accuse others of authoritarianism, but cry foul when federal law is enforced against them.