The Don Lemon Show

This morning, we break down the growing fallout from the latest redistricting battles and the mounting concerns about efforts aimed at weakening Black political representation across the country. From Tennessee to other states now pursuing similar strategies, the fight over congressional maps is becoming one of the biggest political stories heading into the midterms. Civil rights advocates warn th...

Tonight, we dive into the controversy surrounding the recent roast of Kevin Hart. Critics say the event crossed the line into vulgarity, sexism, and racism, while others argue that nothing should be off-limits in comedy. So where is the line? Did it go too far? Don is joined by Chelsea Handler and Sheryl Underwood, who both participated in the roast, for a candid conversation about comedy, culture...

Good morning, Lemon Nation 🍋 A lot to unpack this morning. Iran has responded to Donald Trump’s latest proposal with a new set of demands that Trump is already calling “unacceptable.” So where does this go from here? Are we heading toward another escalation just as people were hoping tensions might cool down? Meanwhile, the redistricting battles continue to intensify across the country, with grow...

Another chaotic week is in the books, and the stakes just keep getting higher. From growing economic anxiety and rising costs to new polling showing increasing concerns about Donald Trump’s mental fitness for the presidency, Americans are asking serious questions about where the country is headed. Meanwhile, the fallout from the Supreme Court’s gutting of the Voting Rights Act is already playing o...

In this special Mother’s Day conversation, Don sits down with the woman who knows him best, his mom 💛 The two share heartfelt stories, laughs, and reflections on family, life, and the bond that shaped Don into who he is today. A special celebration of moms everywhere and the people who keep us grounded no matter what. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another week, another round of absolute chaos. From Donald Trump turning a children’s event in the Oval Office into a rambling lecture about war and politics, to Kash Patel reportedly targeting The Atlantic in yet another escalation against the free press, the madness just kept coming. Then there was Secretary of State Marco Rubio heading to the Vatican after months of Trump attacking the pope. Da...

Don sits down with journalist Nick Valencia to discuss his latest reporting from inside the private prisons being used to hold ICE detainees. The conversation dives into the growing role of for-profit detention centers, the conditions detainees are facing behind closed doors, and the massive financial incentives tied to expanded detention. From disease outbreaks to allegations of inadequate care,...

Tonight, we break down the escalating redistricting battles happening across the country and the growing concerns about MAGA efforts to reducing Black political representation. In Virginia, the only redistricting map that was actually approved directly by voters has now been overturned by the state Supreme Court. So what does this mean for voting rights, representation, and the future of democracy...

This afternoon, Don takes it to the streets to hear directly from the people, because right now, folks are fed up. Today’s jobs report technically came in stronger than expected, with the U.S. adding more jobs than economists predicted. But for a lot of Americans, that headline doesn’t match reality. People are struggling to find work, prices are still painfully high, and gas costs continue to cli...

This morning, we’ve got a lot to unpack. First, we head to Tennessee to break down the escalating redistricting fight and growing concerns about efforts critics say could dilute Black voting power. Justin J. Pearson joins us to discuss what’s happening, what’s at stake, and why this battle could have major implications beyond Tennessee. Then we pivot to the midterms and the fight for young voters...

Tonight, we’ve got a LOT to unpack. First, new bombshell developments in the Epstein saga. Tara Palmeri joins us to break down the latest revelations, growing questions about Epstein’s network, and the fallout from a closed-door hearing involving Howard Lutnick and reported ties now back in the spotlight. We’ll also discuss the newly surfaced “suicide note” and why it’s already fueling even more s...

Don hits the streets of London to hear directly from everyday people about how America is being viewed abroad right now. From Donald Trump to the war in Iran, Don asks Londoners what they think about the current state of the U.S., America’s role on the world stage, and whether confidence in American leadership is changing. The answers are honest, surprising, and at times brutally blunt. Learn more...

This morning, we break down the latest twists in the Iran crisis as the U.S. waits on Iran’s response to a proposed framework aimed at ending the conflict. The messaging continues to shift by the hour, talks, threats, ceasefires, sanctions, military pressure...it’s becoming increasingly difficult to tell what the actual strategy is anymore. We’ll also discuss Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit...

Don sits down with political analyst Mike Nellis to break down a series of legal and political battles that could have major implications for the future of American democracy. From Donald Trump’s latest effort to use the courts and DOJ to avoid paying E. Jean Carroll, to the FBI raid involving a Virginia lawmaker tied to redistricting fights, to reports that Kash Patel is pushing investigations in...

Tonight, we break down the latest developments in the Iran war as confusion continues around the ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz, and what the administration’s actual strategy is supposed to be. Then we turn to a series of legal and political battles raising major questions about power, accountability, and the state of American democracy. Donald Trump is again trying to avoid paying E. Jean Carrol...

This morning, we break down the nonstop confusion surrounding the Iran war. Is the conflict winding down, or are we right back on the brink again? The messaging keeps changing by the hour. One minute the ceasefire is “holding,” the next there are new attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and fresh threats flying back and forth. And then there’s the Strait itself. The administration’s latest “goal” is to...

Tonight, we break down yet another surreal moment out of the White House. Donald Trump gathered a group of kids in the Oval Office to revive the Presidential Fitness Test… and somehow turned it into a rambling, off-script spectacle. What was supposed to be a lighthearted event about fitness quickly veered into talk of war, politics, and familiar election claims, leaving even the kids in the room l...

This morning, we break down the staggering wealth on display in and around the Trump administration, and the growing disconnect between those at the top and everyone else. While many Americans are dealing with rising costs and economic uncertainty, Donald Trump’s finances, and the benefits flowing to those in his orbit, are under increasing scrutiny. At the same time, the ultra-elite are gathering...

Tonight, we break down new, eye-opening polling showing that a majority of Americans now question whether Donald Trump is mentally and physically fit to serve as president. As concerns grow around his public behavior, messaging, and leadership, this shift in perception could have major implications for the political landscape moving forward. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp make...

Don breaks down some of the most head-scratching moments from Donald Trump’s speech in The Villages. From confidently claiming prices are down (really?!) to proposing cognitive tests for future presidents, the contradictions and irony are doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This morning, we take a hard look at a growing pattern. What happens to the institutions, policies, and crises Donald Trump touches? From his handling of COVID to ongoing economic strain and rising gas prices, critics argue that decisions at the top have contributed to instability at home and uncertainty abroad. America’s global standing is being questioned, and even the sense of a shared reality...

Another chaotic week in the books. From lawmakers and MAGA allies defending an increasingly controversial war, to gas prices climbing well past $4 a gallon, the pressure on everyday Americans continues to grow. At the same time, the Trump administration is once again going after Jimmy Kimmel, adding more fuel to an already heated battle over media, messaging, and who controls the narrative. Learn...

Another week, another surge of chaos, and the pressure in Washington, D.C. is clearly building. From the shocking shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to the eyebrow-raising indictment of James Comey, it’s been nonstop headlines and even more questions. Then came a major Supreme Court decision out of Louisiana, gutting the Voting Rights Act and setting off alarms about how far protec...

Tonight, we break down Donald Trump’s latest claims on the Iran conflict, insisting he doesn’t need congressional approval because “hostilities have ended.” But here’s the problem: U.S. forces are still in the region, tensions are still high, and legal experts say the War Powers law doesn’t just magically disappear because you declare things “over.” So what is this really? A genuine de-escalation…...

This morning, we break down the state of the U.S. economy as rising gas prices and a growing affordability crisis hit Americans where it hurts. Costs are climbing, and people across the country are feeling the strain. Then we turn to the escalating situation in Iran and the administration’s approach to the conflict, including concerns about the lack of congressional authorization for military acti...