The Don Lemon Show

Rich Logis founded Leaving MAGA, an organization whose goal is to provide a community and safe space for those who have left the MAGA movement or to help those who are afraid to leave. Naturally, Don has some skepticism and a lot of questions for Rich. You don't want to miss this.

We learned of another icon tragically passing away today. Gloria Steinem, the feminist leader who dedicated her life to women's rights, has died at the age of 92. Don is joined by Monique Pressley and Molly Jong-Fast to remember the life of this legendary figure in civil rights history.

Nolan Wells' brother Elmore Wonsley Jr. paid tribute to him recently during a high school football game. Elmore pained the name NOLAN on his eye black shortly after Nolan's birthday. Also, children's educator Ms. Rachel spoke out about Nolan recently, stressing that we can not forget about him and we need to keep his story alive. Join Don and guests to break this and other stories down.

Yesterday, eight democrats voted with all of the house republicans to adopt a measure to "condemn socialism." This vote was warned by Leader Hakeem Jeffries as a "MAGA effort to rig the midterm elections," because the socialism aspect was merely a way to get democrats to vote for a version of the SAVE act. Join Don and guest Rep. Kamlager-Dove to break this down.

House Minority Leader Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins Don to discuss Trump's midterm plans, the USPS whistleblower warning that the Trump admin is ignoring court rulings, and why he met with Jared Kushner. Don't miss this!

Today is the fifth day of deliberations in the Lindsay Clancy trial. The jury is deciding whether to convict Clancy of first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children. The defense states that she did indeed kill her children, but should not be found guilty due to postpartum psychosis. The same judge in the Clancy case sentenced a Black woman named Latarsha Sanders to two life sentences in 2022. Sanders also killed two of her children but her mental health struggles were not introduced as evidence in the trial. A retrial has now been ordered but this disparity shows once again that race plays an enormous role in how justice is served in this country.

The Nolan Wells tragedy has spawned lots of hate, which has evolved in many ways including threats and legal action against these threats. One person who is on the receiving end is Jeanetta Brantley, the audio engineer who examined the sea tow audio. Jeanetta joins us tonight along with her attorney. Also, Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins the show to talk Laura Loomer, mail-in ballots, and the success he and Baltimore's mayor are having in regards to public safety.

An Arkansas officer is under harsh scrutiny after a disturbing dash cam video surfaced showing him pull a Black man out of a car by his dreadlocks and punching him in the face. The man was complying, had his hands up, and was unable to unlock the car door. Why does an officer react in such an aggressive manner? Join Don and Michael Fanone to break this story down.

Bari Weiss' CBS News has been veering further and further right-wing since she was installed to run the operation last year. The most recent example is a direct attack on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, invoking 9/11 and early 2000s-era islamophobia. This comes after many attempts to directly link El-Sayed to streamer Hasan Piker's and his past comments about 9/11. Join Don and guests to break down this despicable story.

Warning: the video we are going to show during today's show is hard to watch. In Arkansas, following a chase, a police officer pulled Tedrick Washington Jr. out of the backseat of the SUV he was riding in. Although Tedrick's hands were up and he was the passenger, the officer smashed the window, grabbed him by the dreadlocks, and pulled several times to remove Mr. Washington from the vehicle. Once he was out, the officer punched Tedrick in the face. This is yet another example of horrendous police brutality against a Black person after a traffic stop. Join Don and guests to break down this story and more.

Over the weekend, MAGA troll Laura Loomer went on a twitter rampage disparaging many Black women in Politics calling them "ghetto, entitled, race-obsessed." One of those women is Angie Nixon, who joined us this morning to talk about the vitriol spewing from Laura Loomer and many others in her party, including the president himself.

Football season has started again in Ocean Springs, MS. Almost two months ago, football star Nolan Wells was tragically found dead days before football practice. This past Thursday, his alma mater held it's first game of the season without any recognition of their former star wide receiver. There was no moment of silence or public acknowledgement of his death. Why not? Join Don to break down this story and much more.

LMN Washington D.C. Correspondent Daniel Grimes joins Virginia Rep. Suhas Subramanyam in his home district to talk about the impact that data centers can have on a community. Noise pollution, air pollution, and increased utility bills are only a few of the concerns; one Loudoun County resident shows Daniel how the government is planning to build a power line through her property.

Don Lemon and Jennifer Welch are back for another round of Welch's Lemonade. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has exited the role, leaving the job vacant for now. Good riddance to her. But in a twist, former personal attorney and "fixer" for Trump, Michael Cohen, has seemingly returned to the good graces of the president after several years of pretending to be his enemy. What happened, Michael?!

Andrew and Tristan Tate, brothers with heavy influence in the "manosphere," were arrested last month in Miami on charges of sexual assault and sex trafficking. They are now stuck in a Miami jail cell but are fighting to leave, citing the need to fight other charges in Romania and the UK. On top of that, their attorneys have argued that the brothers' online personas are a "type of performance" and not proof of a crime.

Recent reports say that while Gladys Knight is still on tour, she is appearing dazed, confused, and perhaps not in control of whether she should even be performing. Also, the ongoing Wendy Williams saga continues as she was spotted in public for the first time in a while. When asked by the media what she wants people to know about her, she said "I want out." Plus, LMN Washington D.C. correspondent Daniel Grimes is live on the scene for the 2026 March On Washington for voting rights.

Today is the last day on the job for Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt channeled her boss in almost every sentence she spoke, spewing vitriol toward the press and insulting whomever dared to push back or speak the truth. Like all of Trump's press secretaries, their job was not so much to answer question in a real way but more-so to shut down reporters whenever possible. We don't yet know who will replace her, but for now: good riddance.

Yesterday, tech company Meta settled a lawsuit in regards to children's safety on social media. This ruling will make them pay out $18 billion dollars to 48 U.S. states and 3 territories. New restrictions will also be placed on Meta's apps, including a two-hour daily limit, pauses for children, no overnight notifications, no notifications during school hours, and more. But is it the government's job to control these restrictions? What role do parents play in this? Join Don and guest Ahmed Baba to break this down.

The giant social media company Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, has recently agreed to a settlement worth $18 billion dollars. Meta was sued by 48 U.S. states over practices which the say were harming children who use social media. Many changes will need to be implemented, such as a two-hour daily limit, no overnight notifications, makeup filters blocked, and more. Some celebrate this decision while others worry that internet restrictions such as these are the beginning of the government's encroachment on an open and free internet. Join Don and experts to break down this landmark settlement.

Tonight we are joined by Rep. Al Green from Texas. Rep. Green has once again filed for the impeachment of Donald Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors. The congressman also discusses the killing of Alex Pretti, Major Jason Watson, and what his plans are after he leaves office in January. Don is also joined by democratic strategist Mike Nellis to discuss the most recent arrest of the Tate brothers.

Progressive democrats have been on a bit of a hot streak lately. They've won primaries in big cities, small cities, governor primaries, senate primaries. Democratic Strategist Mike Nellis joins Don today to discuss which of them have a real shot at winning in November. Abdul El-Sayed, Angie Nixon, James Talarico; who can do it?

We are almost at two months since the tragic death of Nolan Wells. Ben Crump has been representing the family since early on, along with his team of attorneys. Now, a Jackson County defense attorney named Ahmad Smith has joined. Join Don to break down this story and everything else going on today.

A very sad afternoon today as we learned of the death of Dolly Parton. She was a powerhouse: a country music sensation, actor, humanitarian, philanthropist, and a great friend to many. Dolly Parton advocated for children's literacy, creating the Imagination Library which has gifted over 300 million books to kids all over the world. Rest in peace, Dolly.

We are in the year 2026, right? Because Target recently posted a Halloween costume for sale on their website that can only be described as racist. The hat, the face, even the pose that the child model was in resembles Jim Crow era cartoons. Last year, Target faced an initial round of backlash after they dissolved DEI departments and practices across the organization. Hmm, maybe they could have used some help that would have prevented this whole costume fiasco to begin with...

The midterm elections are only 70 days away. Yesterday, the Supreme Court allowed Trump's plan to restrict mail-in voting to continue. They say that Trump can create "state citizenship lists" and the United States Postal Service will get to decide who gets a mail-in ballot. With this clear attempt to stifle true democracy, along with the gutting of the voting rights act and the many gerrymandered districts in the south to restrict Black votes, the Trump regime appears to be laying the groundwork to affect future elections in a big way. What can be done before the midterms? Join Don and guests to break this all down.

Nolan Wells' family has filed a subpoena against Sea Tow South Mississippi to gain access to the original audio. This comes after the internet erupted in deciphering exactly what Nolan's friends are saying in the background of the call. Also, Nolan's friends' lawyers are serving Al Sharpton with a pre-suit demand letter claiming defamation against their clients. In Trump news, farmers are livid that he has allowed beef imports into the country amid a beef shortage. More on that in tonight's Lemon Live at 5.

Gary, Indiana is a majority Black city 35 minutes outside of Chicago. Almost two weeks ago, severe storms with 100 mph winds tore through the city leaving residents without electricity. 13 days later, the power is still out. How does it take so long to restore power after a storm? At what level of government does the fault lie for this neglect? Gary mayor Eddie Melton joins Don to tell us the story.

We have two major stories this morning. One comes from Gary, Indiana where residents have been without power for almost two weeks. Gary's mayor Eddie Melton joins us to discuss why the power has been out for so long and what is next for this majority Black city. Also, breaking news in the Karmelo Anthony story, with a judge denying a retrial in the murder case. Join Don to break this all down.

Author, podcast host, and neuroscientist Sam Harris joined Don in June of 2024 to talk about the state of the country at that time. DEI, racism, Biden, Trump, and who would be to blame for Trump's win. Join us as we look back on a much different time in our country.

Friend of the show Jolly Good Ginger talks with Don about the widespread system of white supremacy that's always existed in the United States. Why don't more white people understand this concept and just how insidious racism is? Watch as they break this down.

Sophie Rain is a content creator who went viral a few years ago after proving to doubters that she has made $110 million on OnlyFans. Join Don as he asks Sophie about growing up on food stamps, getting fired from a restaurant job for posting online, arguing with lawmakers on Piers Morgan's show , and much more!

They call her the "human printer," and she rarely leaves Donald Trump's side. Natalie Harp has become one of Trump's closest advisors and aides, traveling with him overseas and frequently researching & posting things for the president on his social media. Remember when Trump switched to the non-Qatari Air Force One due to a credible threat? Ms. Harp was one of the chosen few to join Trump on the safe plane. Not even Secretary of State Marco Rubio received that luxury. Join Don and Daniel Grimes to break down this evolving story.

On Monday, Ben Crump sent out a press release saying that Nolan's legal team is prepared to make his phone available to the Jackson County DA for the joint forensic inspection. With today being the deadline, we are awaiting updates. Join Don and guest Garrison Hayes to break down the Nolan Wells case, the Karmelo Anthony trial, and more as they take your phone calls live .

Lindsey Graham passed away over a month ago. His sister Darline was chosen to replace him in the Senate. What are her qualifications to be a U.S. Senator? Not much... Join Don, Daniel, and guests to break down this story that only Donald Trump could inflict upon us.

The death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday was an avoidable tragedy. Jason was the youngest Black professor in the overwhelmingly white university's history. And because of that, he always had a target on his back. After allegations of plagiarism were brought forth by two men with histories of racism and racist ideas, Arday was staunchly defended by the university and his peers. But this did not stop the British press from writing hundreds of articles about him, creating a social media storm that lead to daily harassment. Join Don as he breaks this story down.

Nolan Wells' birthday vigil was held last night in Biloxi, MS. Pastor Jamal Bryant spoke about Nolan, the mysterious nature of his death, and the fact that the investigators are not being forthright with their information. There was also a touching moment where the congregation joined Nolan's parents in singing happy birthday.

Today we celebrate the life of Nolan Wells on what would have been his 19th birthday. The National Action Network held a virtual prayer vigil today and a separate celebration of his life will be held tonight at 7pm in Biloxi. Also, journalist, lawyer, and friend of the show Katie Phang has been successfully suing the DOJ to release more Epstein files. She joins us to discuss this process.

Florida state representative Angie Nixon won the Florida Democratic Primary for Senate yesterday, defeating an opponent who outspent her by millions of dollars. Rep. Nixon is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America who are on a hot streak with big primary wins all across the country. Hear how she won and how she would represent the state of Florida if elected in November.

Today would have been Nolan Wells' 19th birthday. There will be a prayer rally held today in Biloxi to honor Nolan's life while the family continues to call for the truth about what happened to their son. Attorney Ben Crump and Pastor Jamal Bryant will attend the rally. We will also be joined by Congressman Ro Khanna to discuss Nolan's story and the story of several other young Black people who have died mysteriously.

Stephen A. Smith was obviously hurt by the NABJ giving him the "thumbs down" award. He spoke about it on his own show and told his side of the story. But why did he then go and choose to appear on MAGA media like Sean Hannity's show on FOX? DL Hughley thinks that this is just another example of the problem with Stephen A. Smith to begin with.

After the NABJ awarded Stephen A. Smith with the "thumbs down award,' it didn't take long before he responded. After addressing the issue on his own podcast, he took to MAGA media to explain himself further. Why FOX News? Why News Nation? Why is Officer Tater defending him too? Join Don to break this down.

Nolan Wells' phone has been the subject of much intrigue recently, with all parties involved eagerly awaiting what clues may come from the data thats on Nolan's phone. Attorney Ben Crump has announced that the Wells family and forensic experts are both on standby for a joint inspection of Nolan's phone "any day this week." Also, the family's legal team has grown again, adding Kristen Clarke, General Counsel of the NAACP. Joining us to discuss is Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP.

The National Association of Black Journalists recently gave ESPN host Stephen A. Smith the "thumbs down" award due to his "recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports and media." Former ESPN host Jemele Hill joins Don to break this down.

Nolan Wells' friends' apologist Officer Tater joined psychotherapist Elliott Connie recently to discuss the Wells case and Tater's related interviews. Mr. Connie joins us live this morning to break that discussion down. Also, Stephen A. Smith was given an 'F' by the National Association of Black Journalists in regards to "his recurring pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media." Let's talk about it!

Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly... the list goes on. One by one the MAGA faithful are abandoning their dear leader. I suppose it was only a matter of time before his lies caught up with him. Mike Nellis joins Don to break down this inevitable break away from the cult of MAGA.

Jason Lee joins Don to break down Nicki Minaj's cozying up to MAGA. What's in it for her? Did she sell out?

Don Lemon and Jennifer Welch are back, and this time Melania Trump is the topic. Where has she been? Why has Donald Trump been hanging out with Natalie Harp? Also, we've heard about Trump's catering cart escape plan, but who exactly did he leave in the decoy jet? Find out and more with Don and Jen.

Host of Soul School Lexi Allen joins the show for a fun Friday game. Lexi quizzes LMN staff to see who gets to keep their Black card and who will get it revoked!

A few days ago we reported on a letter sent from Ben Crump's team to the Jackson County DA Angel Myers McIlrath in regards to the examination of Nolan's phone. Yesterday, Ben Crump and team reiterated that the examination of the phone will be done jointly with the DA. Why isn't this enough for others to stop asking about it? Join Don to break this down.

Today, Nolan Wells' parents Christine and Elmore Wonsley sat down at the National Association of Black Journalists to discuss the tragic death of their son. Joined by their attorney Ben Crump as well as Al Sharpton, the parents spoke on where they would like the investigation to go at this point in time.

This is a wild one. It's being reported that Donald Trump's NATO summit trip to Turkey last month ended with a secret escape plan due to Iranian threats. In order to discretely board a second jet, Trump was hidden inside of a catering truck and loaded onto the extra plane. But who remained on the threatened plane? Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller, Scott Bessent, dozens of journalists, and many other staffers. Were they acceptable losses in this credible threat against Trump's life? Mike Nellis joins Don to break down this story.