The former CNN anchor Don Lemon has warned the US must “keep fighting” for its right to a free press, calling it “the breath in the lungs of democracy” following his arrest alongside another journalist by the Trump administration. Lemon was arrested late last month, days after covering an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service. I’m a journalist. And that’s what they’re afraid of – that witness … to tell the truth.”Lemon argued later in his 12-minute speech that Americans in power generally celebrate “the idea of a free press” as long as it “does not disturb [their] comfort”. Lemon has said he had no affiliation to the group that disrupted the church service and was there as a journalist livestreaming the demonstration.

Source: CNN February 09, 2026 16:01 UTC