Podcasts about Freedom From Religion Foundation

After we cover state/church news around the country, FFRF Senior Litigation Counsel Sam Grover recounts FFRF's recent victory stopping the Ten Commandments from being posted in Texas public schools. Then, journalist Mary Annette Pember, a citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Wisconsin Ojibwe, describes her new book Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools.

FFRF Legal Director Patrick Elliott tells us some breaking good news about a Christian nationalist legal attack against FFRF by Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters. Then, we'll hear a chilling warning about encroaching Christian fascism by author Katherine Stewart.

This morning, we start with a powerful and emotional message from the family of Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein's most well-known victims. They are speaking out, directly and forcefully, against Donald Trump, and their words deserve to be heard. We'll cover their response with the respect it warrants. Then we turn to Wisconsin, where GOP Rep. Bryan Steil got a taste of how voters are really feeling. Let's just say... it was not a warm welcome. Boos, heckling, and some very pointed questions made for a town hall he won't forget. And finally, the Smithsonian has quietly removed Trump from its impeachment exhibit at the American History Museum. Because apparently rewriting history is the new MAGA-approved curriculum. Are we seriously sanitizing reality to spare Trump's ego? It's a lot. Grab your coffee. Let's get into it. This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by Chef IQ. Summer Grilling Season is here and Chef IQ Sense makes you a grill master! During their flash sale you get 15% off. Visit https://ChefIQ.com and use promo code Lemon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a day Lemon Nation! We ended Hot Topics with news that the FBI redacted multiple instances of Trump's name from the Epstein files. Soon after that we learned that Trump is moving Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum security prison in Texas. THEN it was reported that Trump has ordered two nuclear submarines in close proximity to Russia. Oh, and don't let us forget that in response to bad job numbers Trump has moved to fire officials in charge of labor statistics. What is reality anymore? Find out with Don at 5pm! This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by Chef IQ. Summer Grilling Season is here and Chef IQ Sense makes you a grill master! During their flash sale you get 15% off. Visit https://ChefIQ.com and use promo code Lemon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

* Of Pangolins and Protection: Fred and Ryan review the latest Creation Magazine, starting with the pangolin! Its an armored, anteater-like creature with keratin scales and unique defensive design. Evolutionists once linked it to armadillos, but genetic studies disproved the connection, forcing an appeal to convergent evolution—a recurring "rescue device" for failing Darwinian models. * Shark Skin and Airplanes: From ocean to air, shark skin's ridged structure reduces drag. Engineers have reverse-engineered this feature for airplane coatings and banned swimsuits. Like past guest Dr. Michael Egnor noted, reverse engineering proves intentional design. * A Forest from a Warmer Past: Global warming headlines falter as ancient warm-climate forests are discovered under melting snow in Wyoming.  * Dawkins vs. Dawkins: Irony strikes as atheist icon Richard Dawkins clashes with the Freedom From Religion Foundation over gender ideology. Dawkins is now censored for insisting humans can't change biological sex. As Romans 1 says, suppressing truth leads to folly. *  Life on Bennu? Not So Fast: NASA's return samples from asteroid Bennu contain racemic amino acids—both left and right-handed—suggesting death, not life. Fred and Ryan highlight the missed opportunity by CMI to support the Hydroplate Theory, which better explains why Earth-like materials (like serpentinite) are found in space. * Dire Wolves and DNA: A biotech firm claims to have "de-extincted" the Ice Age dire wolf using CRISPR and gray wolf DNA. But critics argue it's just a genetically engineered look-alike. The ethics—and science fiction parallels—raise valid concerns about modern tinkering with life. * Ant Eyes and Imaging Breakthroughs: Desert ants' compound eyes detect polarized light to navigate featureless landscapes. Chinese scientists copied this tech to enhance imaging—enabling detection of cancer cells without staining. Once again, man learns from the Master Engineer.

* Of Pangolins and Protection: Fred and Ryan review the latest Creation Magazine, starting with the pangolin! Its an armored, anteater-like creature with keratin scales and unique defensive design. Evolutionists once linked it to armadillos, but genetic studies disproved the connection, forcing an appeal to convergent evolution—a recurring "rescue device" for failing Darwinian models. * Shark Skin and Airplanes: From ocean to air, shark skin's ridged structure reduces drag. Engineers have reverse-engineered this feature for airplane coatings and banned swimsuits. Like past guest Dr. Michael Egnor noted, reverse engineering proves intentional design. * A Forest from a Warmer Past: Global warming headlines falter as ancient warm-climate forests are discovered under melting snow in Wyoming.  * Dawkins vs. Dawkins: Irony strikes as atheist icon Richard Dawkins clashes with the Freedom From Religion Foundation over gender ideology. Dawkins is now censored for insisting humans can't change biological sex. As Romans 1 says, suppressing truth leads to folly. *  Life on Bennu? Not So Fast: NASA's return samples from asteroid Bennu contain racemic amino acids—both left and right-handed—suggesting death, not life. Fred and Ryan highlight the missed opportunity by CMI to support the Hydroplate Theory, which better explains why Earth-like materials (like serpentinite) are found in space. * Dire Wolves and DNA: A biotech firm claims to have "de-extincted" the Ice Age dire wolf using CRISPR and gray wolf DNA. But critics argue it's just a genetically engineered look-alike. The ethics—and science fiction parallels—raise valid concerns about modern tinkering with life. * Ant Eyes and Imaging Breakthroughs: Desert ants' compound eyes detect polarized light to navigate featureless landscapes. Chinese scientists copied this tech to enhance imaging—enabling detection of cancer cells without staining. Once again, man learns from the Master Engineer.

Good evening Lemon Nation! While Mike Johnson sent the House Representatives home for break, the Senate is still working hard to release some of the Epstein files. Invoking a rare rule known as the "Rule of Five," Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Senate Democrats announced today that this is their current strategy. What is this rule? Will it work? What is the timeline for this release? Join Don at 5pm tonight to break it all down! This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by Chef IQ. Summer Grilling Season is here and Chef IQ Sense makes you a grill master! During their flash sale you get 15% off. Visit https://ChefIQ.com and use promo code Lemon. This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good morning, Lemon Nation! Let's dive into the latest twist: new video analysis suggests that footage from Epstein's jail cell may have been altered. Government officials, of course, say there's nothing to see here. Totally normal, right? Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell is still dangling her offer to testify before Congress if she's granted immunity. You know, just minor immunity for a woman accused of helping run an international sex trafficking ring. And through it all, Trump continues to spiral, ducking the press and throwing out distractions like candy at a parade. The question isn't “What happens next?”...it's “How much worse can it get?” Tune in. We'll break it all down with receipts, reality, and just the right amount of rage. This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by Chef IQ. Summer Grilling Season is here and Chef IQ Sense makes you a grill master! During their flash sale you get 15% off. Visit https://ChefIQ.com and use promo code Lemon. This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've got whiplash-level updates on the Trump-Epstein-Maxwell mess. First up: Ghislaine Maxwell has reportedly offered to testify before Congress, but only if she gets immunity. Yes, immunity. From a woman accused by multiple victims of being even worse than Epstein? You can't make this stuff up. And just when you thought Trump couldn't make this situation any more unhinged, he goes and outdoes himself. After previously claiming he cut ties with Epstein because he was “a creep,” Trump now says it was actually because Epstein “stole” an underage girl from him. We'll just leave that there. Joining us tonight to unpack all of this is the brilliant Katie Phang and legal analyst Dina Doll. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild one. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON and use LEMON at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump-Epstein scandal has dominated headlines, sparked lawsuits, and triggered full-blown meltdowns from Mar-a-Lago to MAGA Twitter. But outside the media circus, what does the public actually think? Is the scandal breaking through, or are people tuning it out like another one of Trump's "perfect phone calls"? Let's dig into the public sentiment, polling data, and online reaction to see if this story has real staying power… or if Trump's latest distraction campaign is actually working. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by ZBiotics. Go to https://zbiotics.com/LEMON and use LEMON at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when you thought the Trump-Epstein saga couldn't get weirder… Trump now claims he cut ties with Jeffrey Epstein not because of his predatory behavior, but because Epstein poached some of his employees. Seriously. Tonight, Don is joined once again by Mark Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein's brother, to break down the latest twists in this deeply unsettling and increasingly absurd scandal. Plus, we'll unpack Trump's desperate attempts to change the subject: accusing Obama of treason, calling for investigations into Beyoncé and Oprah, and lashing out at windmills (yes, again). It's chaos, but it's chaos with consequences. Let's get into it. This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by Chef IQ. Summer Grilling Season is here and Chef IQ Sense makes you a grill master! During their flash sale you get 15% off. Visit https://ChefIQ.com and use promo code Lemon. This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump is spiraling, and the distractions are getting wilder by the day. First, it was accusing Obama of treason. Then came his sudden crusade to prosecute Beyoncé and Oprah (yes, seriously). And now he's ranting about windmills again. But let's be real, it's all an increasingly desperate attempt to shift attention away from the one thing he really doesn't want to talk about...the Epstein files. Despite once promising transparency, Trump's name is in the files, and now even some of his die-hard supporters are feeling duped. Is this the beginning of a MAGA mutiny? Or just another week in the circus? Join us as we break it all down with receipts, reality, and all the rage. This episode is brought to you by Magic Spoon. Get 5 dollars off your next order at https://MagicSpoon.com/LEMON. Or look for Magic Spoon on Amazon or in your nearest grocery store. This episode is sponsored by Chef IQ. Summer Grilling Season is here and Chef IQ Sense makes you a grill master! During their flash sale you get 15% off. Visit https://ChefIQ.com and use promo code Lemon. This episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Don't let your rights be rewritten. Go to https://FFRF.US/school or text “DON” to 511511 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Freethought Radio, guest hosts Ryan Jayne and Leo Costello talk about a Christian state representative in Texas who's speaking out against a new law that would place the Ten Commandments in every public school in the state. Plus, we listen to debates featuring FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker as they address the questions: "Is religion a force for good?" and "Can religion cure the loneliness epidemic?"

It's been a wild week in the Epstein saga, and we're here to bring you more. Donald Trump now seems to be avoiding the media, and it's not hard to see why? His rants keep adding more fuel to the Epstein drama fire. And according to new reports, the FBI has been ordered to flag every instance his name appears in Epstein-related documents. What are they bracing for? What's being hidden? The deeper this goes, the more suspicious it gets. Let's dig in. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Let me get you started with 20% off when you enter code Lemon20 at takelean.com. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump–Epstein scandal just got another jolt, this time courtesy of a new Wall Street Journal report. The story reveals a bawdy birthday letter sent from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein in the early 2000s. It's crude, it's creepy, and it confirms what many have long suspected: Trump and Epstein were far closer than he wants anyone to believe. Now Trump is threatening to sue over the article (classic move), but the damage may already be done. So how is MAGA reacting? Are they still buying the “we weren't close” line? Or is the base starting to crack under the weight of receipts? We'll break it all down, what this letter means, why Trump's scrambling, and where this scandal might head next. Buckle up. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Let me get you started with 20% off when you enter code Lemon20 at takelean.com. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We report on state/church violations in the White House, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Then, FFRF Rapid Response Attorney Chris Line tells us what it means now that the IRS has announced that places of worship can endorse political candidates. Finally, we speak with distinguished Dartmouth historian Randall Balmer, who is an Episcopal priest, about his new book, America's Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State.

It's the scandal that just won't go away, and Trump's attempts to downplay it are only making things worse. The Epstein file fiasco is spiraling, with growing outrage not just from Democrats but from within MAGA itself. After all the Trump administration's bold claims about releasing the files, we're now being told they never existed..or they did, but it was a scam by democrats? Even Trump's base is starting to ask questions, and the pressure is mounting. Join us as we break down the latest twists in the scandal Trump can't seem to shake. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Let me get you started with 20% off when you enter code Lemon20 at takelean.com. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump–Epstein file scandal just keeps spiraling. Now, in a truly bizarre twist, Trump is turning on his own supporters, lashing out at those demanding answers and calling the Epstein investigation a “hoax.” Joining us to unpack it all is Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. He's calling on Congress to “demand answers” and pushing back hard against the Trump administration's attempts to bury this story. So what is Trump's endgame here? Does he really believe this will blow over? The desperation is so thick, they're even trotting out presidential health rumors to change the subject. It's messy. It's revealing. And it's far from over. Let's get into it. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Let me get you started with 20% off when you enter code Lemon20 at takelean.com. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Epstein scandal is back, and this time, it's blowing a hole right through MAGA world. Trump once ran on the promise to release the Epstein files. Now? The files supposedly don't exist. Cue the outrage. Even die-hard Trump loyalists are calling foul, demanding answers, and turning on their king. Could this finally be the moment the cult cracks? Or will they fall in line like always? Don Lemon breaks it all down...no conspiracies, just facts (and a healthy dose of side-eye). This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Let me get you started with 20% off when you enter code Lemon20 at takelean.com. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So... what happened to the Epstein files? Donald Trump made releasing them a campaign promise. Pam Bondi claimed they were on her desk. And now? Suddenly, they don't exist. The Trump administration is backpedaling fast, and they'd really like us all to just stop asking questions. But we won't. What happened to the files? Why the cover-up? And why is Trump, of all people, trying to make this story disappear? Join Don and political strategist Rick Wilson as they break down the scandal, the silence, and the MAGA meltdown that's starting to follow. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Let me get you started with 20% off when you enter code Lemon20 at takelean.com. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight, Don Lemon is joined by Mark Epstein (yes, that Epstein, Jeffrey Epstein's brother) for an unfiltered conversation about the latest twists in a case that just won't go away. From alleged ties to Donald Trump, to the bizarre about-face on releasing Epstein's files (first promised, now suddenly never existed), we ask: what does Mark really make of it all? What's true, what's spin, and who's trying to keep the truth buried? If you've been wondering why powerful names keep dodging accountability, you won't want to miss this. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Beam. Right now, Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. It's a limited time offer and the perfect way to overcome that exhaustion and stay in the fight every day. Go to shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good afternoon Lemon Nation! We come to you tonight with breaking news in relation to Donald Trump, Jeffery Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell. Journalist Michael Wolff says that the President was weighing a pardon for Maxwell, who was arrested by the FBI in July 2020 for allegedly helping Epstein run his sex-trafficking ring. How is MAGA responding? Will this make a difference? Also, Don sits down for an exclusive interview with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. She tells us about the on going ICE raids, Trump, Ted Cruz, federal aid, and more. On top of all that, we have our Lemon Legends on the show! Tune in at 5pm EST for Don and the Legends to break this all down! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by Beam. Right now, Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. It's a limited time offer and the perfect way to overcome that exhaustion and stay in the fight every day. Go to shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're breaking down the major headlines rocking the entertainment world. First, the serious accusations against Tyler Perry. His accuser is now speaking out publicly. Is there truth to the claims? And what could this mean for one of Hollywood's most powerful figures? Then, the drama between Nicki Minaj and Jay-Z is heating up. Minaj alleges that Jay-Z owes her up to $200 million tied to her equity in Tidal. What's really going on behind the scenes? Don Lemon is joined by Jesse Weber (Anchor for Law & Crime Network and NewsNation Legal Contributor) and legal analyst Symone Redwine (host of the Is That Legal? podcast) to break it all down, from legal stakes to career fallout. Buckle up. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Beam. Right now, Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. It's a limited time offer and the perfect way to overcome that exhaustion and stay in the fight every day. Go to shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We criticize Texas Governor Gregg Abbott for using the flood devastation as an opportunity to preach his personal religious views. We point out that in spite of the IRS decision not to punish two churches for politicking from the pulpit, the Johnson Amendment prohibiting such action is still the law of the land. After honoring the life of our friend, the Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Steve Benson, who died this week at age 71, we talk with attorney Kat Grant about their Freethought Now “Pride Month” blog: ”Don't make sacrifices on the altar of authoritarianism.”

MAGA is melting down over the new Superman movie because, apparently, telling the story of an immigrant who fights for truth and justice is now “woke.” Never mind the fact that Superman has always been about immigration, inclusion, and standing up for the little guy. But when the story doesn't center them, MAGA calls foul. We're breaking down the absurd outrage, the history they conveniently ignore, and what this says about the right's favorite buzzword. Spoiler alert: Superman's values haven't changed, they're just not yours, MAGA. This episode is sponsored by Beam. Right now, Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. It's a limited time offer and the perfect way to overcome that exhaustion and stay in the fight every day. Go to shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins Don live to break down the disastrous "Big Bullsh*t Bill" and what its passage means for everyday Americans. They'll dive into Jeffries' fiery, record-breaking speech on the House floor, his battle against Trump's destructive agenda, and his vision for the future of the Democratic Party. From healthcare cuts to climate rollbacks, there's a lot at stake. Tune in for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about where we go from here. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by Beam. Right now, Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. It's a limited time offer and the perfect way to overcome that exhaustion and stay in the fight every day. Go to shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Texas floods are devastating, but where's the outrage? In past administrations, the media was quick to criticize the government's disaster response. So why the relative silence now, especially as Trump's massive cuts to FEMA and the National Weather Service come into focus? We'll break down the media's glaring double standard. Then, we dive into a bizarre and disturbing headline: Elon Musk's chatbot, Grok, is reportedly praising Hitler. How did this happen, and what does it say about the future of AI oversight? Don is back this morning, and there's a lot to unpack. Buckle up. This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by Beam. Right now, Beam is offering UP TO 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder for my listeners. It's a limited time offer and the perfect way to overcome that exhaustion and stay in the fight every day. Go to shopbeam.com and use code LEMON at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Wild Alaskan. Go to wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FFRF announces another Ten Commandments lawsuit, this one in Texas. After covering state/church news at the federal, state and local levels, we talk with Joe Gerstein, M.D., founder of SMART Recovery, a secular program for dealing with alcoholism and other addictions that is based on science and evidence, not faith.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joins Don for a powerful and timely conversation about the fight for justice in the halls of Congress. They dive into the ongoing battles with the Trump administration, including the latest on the reconciliation bill and what it means for everyday Americans. Rep. Pressley also reflects on the lasting impact of Roe v. Wade being overturned and what Congress must do next to protect reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. From legislation to lived experience, this is a candid and urgent discussion you won't want to miss. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Lemon sits down with Congressman Robert Garcia, newly elected Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. They dive into Garcia's bold plans to push back on Trump-era policies, hold the line on democracy, and steer the Democratic Party forward. Plus, they break down that painfully awkward Pete Hegseth press conference because someone has to talk about it. If you're wondering who's ready to fight back in Congress, this conversation is one to watch. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss the Supreme Court decision allowing states to defund Planned Parenthood and we decry many attempts by Christian nationalists to force religious conformity on a diverse nation. After celebrating the life of the irreverent comedian, actor, filmmaker, songwriter and playwright Mel Brooks (who turns 99 this month), we hear opening statements in two debates in the United Kingdom that FFRF co-presidents participated in. We hear the Opening Statement by Dan Barker in a debate at Oxford University on the topic: "This House Believes God Is a Delusion." Then we hear the Opening Statement by Annie Laurie Gaylor at Cambridge University on the topic: "This House Believes Religion and Feminism Are Incompatible."

Don Lemon sits down with Democratic strategist Mike Nellis to unpack one of the biggest political surprises of the year: Zohran Mamdani's decisive win in the NYC Mayoral Primary. How did a progressive candidate pull off such a resounding upset against establishment heavyweight Andrew Cuomo? What does this say about the shifting tides within the Democratic Party, and what comes next? Don and Mike break it all down, from strategy to symbolism, in a conversation you won't want to miss. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen months, 750,000 strong - and one big lesson: authenticity wins. Don opens up about the channel's success and the path so far. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of World Refugee Day, Don sits down with David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, for a powerful and urgent conversation about the global refugee crisis. With a record 122 million people displaced worldwide, Miliband breaks down the root causes of this staggering number and the human toll behind the statistics. They also examine the far-reaching implications of the Trump administration's refugee and immigration policies, from gutted resettlement programs to severe cuts in humanitarian aid. What does this mean for the U.S.'s role on the world stage? And how can Americans step up in a moment that demands action? This is a conversation about accountability, compassion, and what it truly means to lead in a time of crisis. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Lemon sits down with political commentator and writer Ahmed Baba for a timely and wide-ranging conversation. Coming off the heels of Juneteenth, they reflect on what the holiday truly represents in today's political climate and how freedom, equality, and justice are still up for debate in many corners of the country. Then, they turn to the growing rift inside the MAGA movement. As Trump's policies become more extreme, some of his loudest defenders—Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, and others—are suddenly backing away. Is this the beginning of a MAGA unraveling, or just more strategic rebranding? Don and Ahmed break it all down. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this special Juneteenth conversation, Don Lemon sits down with John Conyers III to reflect on the meaning of the day, the long fight for Black freedom, and the legacy of his father, the late Congressman John Conyers, one of the longest-serving members of Congress and a tireless advocate for civil rights. From introducing the original bill to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national holiday to pushing for reparations and justice reform, Rep. Conyers left behind a powerful legacy of progress. In this intimate and thoughtful interview, his son opens up about what that legacy means today and why the work is far from over. A powerful reminder that Juneteenth is not just about history, but about the future we're still building. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Lemon sits down with Andrew Yang for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation about the future of American politics and technology. Yang shares why he believes the two-party system is broken, what's holding Democrats back, and why it's time to rethink how we engage voters. Then they dive into the rise of artificial intelligence, what it means for the economy, the workforce, and whether our leaders are prepared for the disruption. Smart, sharp, and surprisingly candid, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and timely conversation, Don Lemon sits down with Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO of GLAAD, to break down the state of Pride in 2025—and why this year feels different. With over 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country and political rhetoric reaching dangerous new heights, Sarah unpacks where this wave of hatred is coming from, how it's impacting real lives, and what needs to happen next. From broken media narratives to corporate cowardice, no topic is off-limits. If you care about justice, visibility, and fighting back, this is the interview you need to see. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, June 16th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Pakistani Christian acquitted of blasphemy against Islam charge Last Thursday, a Pakistani judge acquitted a 28-year-old Christian named Farhan Masih of blasphemy against Islam and terrorism charges after the prosecution failed to prove its case against him, reports Morningstar News. Masih had developed a mental illness due to excessive use of synthetic drugs and was entrapped in the false accusation by the complainant. According to Open Doors, Pakistan is the eighth most difficult country worldwide in which to live for Christians. Dear God, we thank you for enabling Farhan Masih, this Pakistani Christian, to be acquitted. Amen. Israel attacks Iran over atomic weapon; Iran retaliates Israel launched blistering attacks on the heart of Iran's nuclear and military structure Friday, deploying warplanes and drones previously smuggled into the country to assault key facilities and kill top generals and scientists, reports the Associated Press. Israeli Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu explained. NETANYAHU: “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat. For decades, the tyrants of Tehran have brazenly, openly called for Israel's destruction. They backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a program to develop nuclear weapons. “In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs – nine!  In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponize this enriched uranium. If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year. It could be within a few months.” Iran retaliated by firing waves of ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions flared in the skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below. The Israeli military urged civilians to head to shelter, as missiles damaged homes and killed two people. U.S. Senate considers defunding Planned Parenthood In the midst of the U.S. Senate's ongoing debate about the budget, they are determining whether to defund Planned Parenthood, as President Trump has requested, reports Liberty Counsel Action. The situation is fluid and can change at any moment because of the razor-thin margin of votes.  Only  two weeks remain to get the budget on President Trump's desk.  Whether or not your two U.S. Senators are Republicans or Democrats, please call them at 202-224-3121 – any time of the day or night -- and urge them to DEFUND Planned Parenthood. Democratic Minnesota Rep. killed and Minnesota Senator injured in targeted attack A Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband were shot and killed in their home early Saturday by someone posing as a police officer and a second Democratic lawmaker and his wife were wounded in what some have described as  “targeted political violence,” reports the Associated Press. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse were killed in their Brooklyn Park home. The other lawmaker, Democratic State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife, were shot multiple times in Champlin, a suburb of Minneapolis. Bob Jacobson, Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety, spoke at a press conference. JACOBSON: “This is a dark day today for Minnesota and for democracy, but we will not allow fear or violence to define who we are or how we move forward.” The gunman has been identified as Vance Luther Boelter, whom Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had previously appointed to the Governor's Workforce Development Council. Christian singer Michael Tait confesses homosexual conduct & drug abuse Last Tuesday, Michael Tait, the former lead singer of the Christian rock band Newsboys and a member of the Grammy-winning group DC Talk, publicly confessed to a history of "reckless and destructive behavior," including drug and alcohol abuse and unwanted sexual conduct involving men, reports The Christian Post. In a written statement on Instagram, the 59-year-old singer acknowledged that the reports  are “sadly, largely true." He wrote, "For some two decades, I used and abused cocaine, consumed far too much alcohol, and, at times, touched men in an unwanted sensual way. I am ashamed of my life choices and actions, and make no excuses for them. I will simply call it what God calls it — sin. “I was violating everything I was raised to believe by my God-fearing Dad and Mom, about walking with Jesus and was grieving the very God I loved and sang about for most of my life. By His grace, I can say that for the past six months, I have lived a singular life—one of utter brokenness and total dependence on a loving and merciful God." Tait's confession follows an in-depth investigative report published on June 3rd by The Roys Report documenting that three men accused him of sexual assault during separate incidents dating back to 2004. Tait quoted Psalm 51, King David's famous prayer of repentance: "Blot out my transgressions … create in me a new heart, O God." God-haters upset with 10 Commandments displayed in Arkansas schools A group of God-hating organizations has filed a lawsuit against a recently passed law in Arkansas that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments on the wall in a 16-inch by 20-inch poster with a  font size that makes it easily readable, reports The Christian Post. Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a complaint on Wednesday on behalf of a religiously diverse group of parents. At issue is Act 573, a measure signed into law by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in April and is scheduled to take effect in August. The lawsuit argues that "Act 573 is not neutral with respect to religion." Republican State Senator Jim Dotson, one of the bill's primary sponsors, argued in March that the Decalogue displays were not unconstitutional. He said, "From the state to the federal level all throughout our history, it is an historical reference point or historical document that has basic things like you shall not kill, steal, commit adultery -- those basic foundations of life that are good for everybody to keep front of mind so that we are hopefully living good lives," reports KATV. After God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai, Exodus 20:20 records Moses telling the Jews, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Worldview listeners in South Dakota, Colorado, and Indiana share their hearts I invited Worldview listeners to share what they enjoy about the newscast in 2-6 sentences by email.  You can share your thoughts -- along with your full name, city and state -- and send it to adam@TheWorldview.com Jason Bollwerk in Rapid City, South Dakota wrote, “I am a homeschooled sophomore in high school, and I listen daily to The Worldview for school. My reason for listening is not only to hear what is happening in the world, but I love hearing about all the good things that God is doing out there. Most media outlets show the dark side of what's going on. But The Worldview really shows what God's doing. Tally ho and pip pip.” Cheryl Ball in Indianapolis, Indiana wrote, “I've been reading the transcript of your newscast every morning since the presidential debates last year. I don't watch the news or read other news. So, this is basically my news input and I'm thankful for it.” And Dennis and Alyssa Guse in Castle Rock, Colorado, said, “Thank you for the faithful work you and The Worldview in 5 Minutes team do for the glory of God!  We are blessed to hear relevant news stories and encouraging Scriptures every day.  Keep up the great work for the Kingdom!”  Dennis asked if I could lead an occasional short prayer for one of the news items. I  called him to say that that was a great idea and I would take him up on the suggestion. 17 Worldview listeners gave $6,821 to fund our annual budget And finally, toward our midpoint goal of $61,750 to fund half of The Worldview newscast's annual budget by this past weekend, 17  listeners stepped up to the plate by 1:00pm Central on Saturday. We were only 3 donors short of our 20-donor goal. Our thanks to Augustine in Auburn, California who gave $25 as well as Elisabeth in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and Karen in Waterford, Wisconsin --  both of whom gave $50, and Daniel in Mayflower, Arkansas who pledged $8 per month for 12 months for a gift of $96. We're grateful to God for Leasa in Simpsonville, South Carolina, George in Edinburgh, Indiana, and Woody in Sparks, Nevada – each of whom gave $100 as well as Laura in Millstadt, Illinois and Kerry and Rosana in San Antonio, Texas – both of whom gave $200. And we were touched by the generosity of Derrick in Evans, Georgia who gave $250, Justin and Oliver in Grover Beach, California who pledged $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300, Eric in Warren, Minnesota who also pledged $25 per month for 12 months for a gift of $300, Matt, Amanda, Elijah, Malachi, and Samuel in Greencastle, Indiana who gave $450, Shy in Ingalls, Indiana who pledged $50 per month for 12 months for a total gift of $600, Aaron in Fort Bragg, North Carolina who gave $1,000, Katie in Hutchinson, Kansas who gave $1,000, and Scooter in Naples, Florida who will match those last two $1,000 donations with another $2,000 gift of his own. Those 17 Worldview listeners gave a total of $6,821. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please.  (Drum roll sound effect) $38,892.20 (People clapping and cheering sound effect)   That means we fell $22,857.80 short of our $61,750 mid-point goal to stay on the air and fund our 6-member Worldview newscast team for another fiscal year. Toward this Friday, June 20th's goal of $92,625, we need to raise $53,732.80. Remember, if you are one of the 4 final people who give a one-time gift of $1,000, Scooter in Naples, Florida will match you with a corresponding $1,000 gift.  Now, if that happens today, Monday, June 16th we will have raised an additional $8,000. In order to raise the remaining amount, I need to find 38 Worldview listeners who will pledge $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600. And another 76 listeners to pledge $25/month for 12 months for a gift of $300. Has God placed it on your heart to be one of the Christian patriots to fund this unparalleled newscast which unashamedly cites relevant Scripture, includes compelling soundbites, and practical action steps to speak out for Biblical principles? Please, we need your help right now!  Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right.   Click on the button that indicates a recurring monthly donation if that's your wish. I'll be honest. In my flesh, I'm getting very nervous indeed!  But, in my spirit, I confidently trust that God will prompt the right people to give generously to cover our annual budget. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, June 16th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  You can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In a shocking and brutal display of authoritarian overreach, Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a Kristi Noem press event in Los Angeles. And by “forcibly,” we mean tackled and dragged to the ground by Noem's security detail because apparently asking questions is now a punishable offense. So… this is where we are now? Elected officials being physically assaulted for showing up in their own state? Is this Kristi Noem's version of “law and order”? Or just more of the GOP's ongoing war on decency, democracy, and basic human rights? Join Don as we break down the footage, the fallout, and what this all means for the future of political dissent in America. It's giving fascism. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY. COM/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We announce that FFRF is a sponsor of the "No Kings Day of Action" protesting the erosion of democratic and constitutional safeguards against a monarchical administration, especially its embrace of Christian nationalism. After hearing Dan Barker's protest song "We, The People," we introduce three new FFRF lawsuits. FFRF Senior Litigation Counsel Sam Grover and FFRF Legal Fellow Hirsh Joshi join us to talk about the new lawsuits challenging religious symbols on government property in Illinois, Arkansas and Massachusetts.

The tide is turning, and people are done staying quiet. Let's take a look at the growing chorus of voices speaking out against Donald Trump and his inhumane policies. From celebrities to lawmakers, folks are using their platforms to say what needs to be said. Kim Kardashian called the ICE raids what they are: inhumane. Tyler Perry and Doechii used their time at the BET Awards to call out Trump directly. And Eva Longoria took to social media to slam the cruelty of ICE detention practices. The message is loud and clear... enough is enough. While Trump tries to rule by fear, intimidation, and bad faith birthday parades, people are standing up and calling him out. Let's talk about who's speaking up, why it matters, and what happens next. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY. COM/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration keeps turning up the heat. First the National Guard, now the Marines. But is this military escalation really about maintaining peace, or manufacturing chaos? The media's showing burning cars and chaos in the streets, but folks on the ground in LA are telling a very different story. Let's cut through the smoke (literally and figuratively) to ask: what's actually happening in Los Angeles? Is this response about safety or about optics and control? And how much is too much when it comes to sending in troops against American citizens? Join us as we separate fact from fear-mongering and expose the reality behind the headlines. Because it looks like LA isn't burning down… but our democracy might be. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY. COM/lemon This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off when you enter LEMON20 at takelean.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk is backpedaling again. After throwing some spicy shots at Donald Trump, he's now walking them back, saying he regrets his posts. Awww. Is this the end of their billionaire bromance feud? Or just a pause in the circus? Meanwhile, new reports reveal that the Fort Bragg soldiers at Trump's speech were handpicked for optics, carefully curated to look the part and hold the "right" political views. Sound familiar? It's all part of the lead-up to Trump's upcoming birthday parade: a pageant of loyalty and empty spectacle designed to distract from his mounting failures. Join us as we unpack the performative politics, the carefully staged military photo ops, and the Musk-Trump melodrama. It's not leadership, it's just propaganda in a red tie. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY. COM/lemon This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off when you enter LEMON20 at takelean.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The showdown is heating up. In the wake of escalating protests in Los Angeles, Donald Trump has steamrolled past state authority, first sending in the National Guard, then Marines, and now more National Guard, all without California's consent. Governor Gavin Newsom says his state didn't ask for this and doesn't want it. And now? Trump is openly endorsing Newsom's arrest. Yes, you read that right. Newsom is turning to the courts, arguing this is a blatant violation of state sovereignty. And he's not wrong. Because when a president starts deploying the military against the will of elected state leaders and punishing them for it, we're well past law and order and deep into autocracy cosplay. Tonight, we're breaking down how we got here, what this means for California (and every other state), and why this fight could shape the future of federal vs. state power in America. Strap in. This one's a mess. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY. COM/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What started as protests against ICE raids has spiraled into something far more dangerous. Despite California officials saying they had things under control, Trump has now deployed not just the National Guard, but marines and even more National Guard to Los Angeles, all without the state's consent. Governor Gavin Newsom is calling it what it is: federal overreach. So… is this a violation of states' rights? Is Trump trying to provoke violence for political gain? And if this can happen in California, what's stopping it from happening in your state next? Let's break it all down. The power grab, the escalation, the implications. Is this what autocracy looks like in America? ...Yeah. It kind of is. Join us for receipts, resistance, and absolutely no sugarcoating. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at SHOPIFY. COM/lemon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Day 2 of the Trump–Elon Split, and the drama is only getting juicier. As the public feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk escalates, we're bringing in our Lemon Legends to weigh in on the pettiness, the power plays, and the fallout. Who's winning this breakup? Who's losing their mind? And what does this messy meltdown mean for the rest of us? Join Don and the Legends for a wild ride through ego, influence, and the end of a very weird bromance. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off when you enter LEMON20 at takelean.com. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another morning in America, where two of the world's pettiest billionaires are beefing...loudly, publicly, and stupidly. Today, we're breaking down all the drama as we head into Day 2 of the Trump/Elon meltdown. The insults are flying, the egos are bruised, and Tesla stock is already feeling the heat. Who comes out on top in this mess? More importantly… what does this feud mean for the rest of us mere mortals trying to survive their chaos? Grab your coffee. It's going to be another absurd ride. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off when you enter LEMON20 at takelean.com. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not a bromance—it's a breakup! Elon Musk and Donald Trump are officially in their messy public feud era. From cryptic jabs to full-blown accusations (yes, Elon just suggested Trump is in the Epstein files), this split is playing out like a Real Housewives reunion, but with more billionaires and less accountability. What set it off? What does it mean for MAGA world? And is this just the beginning of an even uglier war between two egos too big to share the spotlight? Tonight, Don is joined by the brilliant Joy Reid and Reecie Colbert to unpack the drama, the fallout, and what this chaos means for the future of politics, tech, and whatever the hell this country is turning into. Don't miss it. WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Beam. Visit https://shopbeam.com/LEMON and use code LEMON to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off when you enter LEMON20 at takelean.com. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to https://FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We announce two new lawsuits this week that FFRF is taking with a coalition of state/church groups. The first challenges the placement of statues of Catholic saints at the entrance of the public safety building in Quincy, Massachusetts. The second challenges a new Texas measure that mandates the placement of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. Then, we speak with Pulitzer Prize finalist Rollo Romig, author of the book I Am on the Hit List: A Journalist's Murder and the Rise of Autocracy in India.