Don Lemon Comments on Anti-ICE Protests
After a group of anti-ICE protesters disrupted a service at St. Paul’s Church, former CNN anchor Don Lemon suggested that some of the unrest was fueled by “religious groups” feeling “entitled” through white supremacy.
Since his departure from CNN in 2023, Lemon has taken on the role of an independent journalist, documenting the tensions in Minnesota following the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by ICE. At Cities Church on Sunday, alongside the protesters, he emphasized that the “freedom to protest” embodies the principles of the First Amendment.
Lemon has faced warnings from the Justice Department but stands firm in his reporting. On Monday, he shared his thoughts with Jennifer Welch, host of the podcast “I’ve Had It,” arguing that the backlash against him feels like a form of blackmail directed at “an independent, gay, black, happy, successful man.”
Criticism from the White House
The White House has accused Governor Walz and Mayor Frey of creating chaos, particularly after the anti-ICE mob targeted the Minneapolis church. “The bottom line is we’re holding people on the street because of their accent or the color of their skin,” Lemon asserted. He pointed out that the targeting isn’t limited to just one group, indicating an underlying issue of racism.
He noted there are specific “rights” associated with some religious groups, though he left it unclear if he meant members of City Church.
Mixed Views on Protesters
“People who belong to those religious groups aren’t representative of the kind of Christianity I believe in, yet they certainly have a right to express their views, which stems from white supremacy,” Lemon expressed during the discussions.
Interestingly, he remarked how he had unexpectedly become the “face” of the protests. Despite his online reporting about these protests, he claimed he wasn’t aware that they would invade the church. He suggested that focusing on him serves to provoke a “racist” audience.
“I asked, ‘How did I become the face of this?’ My producer said, ‘Don, you’re a gay black man in America with a platform—you’re recognizable. They’ll make headlines with you,'” Lemon explained, indicating the strategy behind the media coverage.
Responses and Threats
In light of his viral comments, Lemon reported that he had received “violent threats from MAGA supporters” as a result of his reporting, intensified by certain right-wing media outlets.
He concluded by expressing that more time should be spent on addressing the real issue—the tragic fate of Renee Nicole Good—rather than stoking anger. “I stand by my reporting,” he affirmed.
