President Donald Trump dismissed recent reports about the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon, calling him a “sleaze bag” and a “washed up” failure during brief remarks to reporters.
When asked if he had any knowledge of Lemon’s arrest, Trump replied, “I don’t know anything about the Don Lemon thing, but he’s a sleaze bag. Everyone’s known that he’s a wash up. Probably from his standpoint, the best thing that could happen to him, he had no viewers. He was a failure. He was a failed host. Now he’s in the news. I didn’t know anything about it.”
Trump on the arrest of Don Lemon: He’s a sleazebag… Probably from his standpoint, the best thing that could happen to him… now, he's in the news. I didn't know anything about it. pic.twitter.com/ZU8hHSaspD
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 1, 2026
The comments came as Lemon, now an independent journalist, faces federal charges stemming from his coverage of an anti-ICE protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18. Lemon and others were indicted by a grand jury on allegations including conspiracy to interfere with religious freedoms and related civil rights violations. He was arrested late Thursday in Los Angeles while covering the Grammy Awards, appeared in federal court Friday, and was released on his own recognizance without bond. Lemon has maintained he was there as a journalist documenting the event, not participating in the protest, and has vowed to fight the charges, stating he will not be silenced.
Trump’s remarks reflect longstanding criticism of Lemon, who during his time at CNN frequently challenged the president on issues including immigration and media relations. The former anchor’s shift to independent platforms followed his departure from CNN in 2023.
The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and certain members of the press amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement actions, which have sparked protests in various locations. Lemon’s case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates, who question the application of the charges to journalistic activity, though the Justice Department has described the incident as a coordinated disruption of a religious service. Lemon is scheduled to appear in court in Minnesota in the coming weeks.
