Ep. 2358 - Don Lemon ARRESTED! - The Ben Shapiro Show Recap

Podcast: The Ben Shapiro Show

Published: 2026-01-30

Duration: 59 minutes

Guests: Mary Margaret Olihan

Summary

Don Lemon has been arrested by federal agents for allegedly organizing a disruption at a church service, raising questions about journalistic boundaries and legal implications.

What Happened

In this episode, Ben Shapiro reports on the arrest of former CNN host Don Lemon, who faces charges after allegedly participating in a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota. The protest was against ICE, and Lemon is accused of violating the FACE Act, which protects access to facilities like abortion clinics and religious services. Lemon claims his presence was purely journalistic, but federal agents argue he was complicit in organizing the protest.

Ben discusses the broader implications of Lemon's arrest, questioning whether it's an attack on the First Amendment or a justified legal action. He emphasizes the DOJ's stance that Lemon's involvement went beyond reporting, suggesting that he played a role in coordinating the disruptive actions. The episode delves into the legal nuances of what constitutes journalistic activities versus conspiracy.

Mary Margaret Olihan, a Daily Wire White House correspondent, joins the episode to provide insights into the federal government's response to the situation in Minnesota. She mentions the involvement of local political figures and activists in the protest, highlighting the interconnected nature of these events with local and federal politics.

The conversation touches on the Trump administration's handling of immigration issues, particularly in Minnesota, where tensions with ICE have been high. Olihan notes the administration's strategic moves, including deploying Tom Homan to Minneapolis, signaling a shift in approach.

There is a discussion about the broader political and social context surrounding the arrest, including allegations of it being a crackdown on journalistic freedom. Shapiro argues that the federal government likely has substantial evidence to pursue the charges against Lemon.

The episode also covers other political news, such as President Trump's selection of a new Federal Reserve Chair and ongoing immigration debates. Shapiro and Olihan analyze the administration's strategies and the potential impact on upcoming elections.

Key Insights

• Don Lemon was arrested for allegedly participating in a protest that disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, which was against ICE and violated the FACE Act that protects access to religious services.
• The Department of Justice claims Don Lemon's involvement in the protest extended beyond journalistic activities, suggesting he played a role in organizing the event, which raises legal questions about the boundary between journalism and conspiracy.
• The Trump administration's response to immigration protests in Minnesota included deploying Tom Homan to Minneapolis, indicating a strategic shift in handling ICE-related tensions in the region.
• The arrest of Don Lemon is part of a broader discussion on journalistic freedom, with federal authorities asserting they have substantial evidence to support the charges, amidst ongoing debates about the First Amendment implications.