Vice President JD Vance defended the arrest of independent journalist Don Lemon on Wednesday, January 4, calling him “the dumbest man on television” and insisting the journalist, who formerly worked at CNN, violated federal law during coverage of an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota last month.
During an appearance on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Vance addressed Lemon’s arrest, which stemmed from the journalist’s livestreaming of protesters who entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18. The demonstration disrupted a church service after protesters targeted the location believing a pastor was a federal immigration agent.
Federal agents arrested Lemon at night on February 4, 2026. He was charged under conspiracy to deprive rights and the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, commonly known as the FACE Act. The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, prevents individuals from interfering with religious freedom. Lemon was released without bail.
Lemon has claimed First Amendment protection for his actions, arguing his arrest violates press freedom. However, Vance countered that the journalist infringed on churchgoers’ rights.
“I say first, Don, no one’s objecting to you standing outside of a church and protesting,” Vance said during the interview. “No one’s saying you can’t protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies, frankly, or policies on anything else. What you cannot do is go into somebody’s house of worship and prevent them from exercising their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion. That’s what happened.”
The vice president elaborated on the administration’s case, stating that Lemon stuck a microphone in a minister’s face during the church service. “We have a rock solid violation of the FACE Act,” Vance added.
Critics have questioned whether Lemon, who works as an independent journalist after formerly working at CNN, assisted the protesters beyond his journalistic duties. Video footage showed Lemon passing out donuts and coffee to protesters before the church incident. He was also seen kissing Nakeema Armstrong, one of three protest organizers who were arrested alongside him.
During the livestream, Lemon stopped recording at one point to avoid sharing specific details about the protest as organizers spoke. Inside the church, he told attendees he was “just photographing” as a journalist, but his activities before and during the demonstration have raised questions about his role.
Protesters prevented people from leaving the church during the disruption, according to accounts of the incident. The demonstration sabotaged the religious service at St. Paul’s church, which protesters had targeted based on incorrect information about the church leadership’s involvement with federal immigration enforcement.
Vance emphasized that protesting outside a church would be legally protected, but entering the building and disrupting worship crosses a legal line. The vice president said Lemon can protest outside but not inside a church without facing legal consequences.
Lemon has responded to the charges by characterizing the arrest as racially motivated. The journalist defended his work and vowed to continue reporting.
The case has sparked debate about the boundaries between journalism and activism. While reporters regularly cover protests and may interact with demonstrators to gather information, questions arise when a journalist’s participation appears to extend beyond observation and documentation. Legal experts note that press credentials do not provide immunity from laws that apply to all citizens, particularly when actions go beyond newsgathering.
The Minneapolis area has seen heightened tensions over immigration enforcement in recent months. The January 18 incident at Cities Church reflected broader conflicts between immigrant advocacy groups and federal authorities implementing stricter enforcement policies.
Vance’s characterization of Lemon as “the dumbest man on television” during the Wednesday interview represented a personal attack on the journalist’s intelligence alongside the legal arguments. The vice president’s mocking tone and laughter when discussing the arrest reflected the administration’s combative stance toward media figures it views as hostile.
Legal proceedings will determine whether Lemon’s actions constitute criminal violations or protected journalistic activity. His attorneys have indicated they will mount a vigorous First Amendment defense, setting up a potential legal battle over press freedom and the limits of newsgathering in protest situations.
The case has attracted attention from journalism organizations and civil liberties advocates who worry about the precedent of charging journalists covering demonstrations. However, prosecutors appear confident in their case, with Vance stating the administration has evidence showing Lemon went beyond reporting to actively participating in actions that violated federal law.
The incident occurred during a period of increased immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota. Anti-ICE protests have become more frequent as federal authorities have increased enforcement efforts.
