Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is facing criticism [1] after being caught on camera mocking [2] former First Lady Melania Trump’s emotional video about the attempted assassination of her husband, former President Donald Trump.
The video, posted by Melania on Wednesday [3] as part of the promotion for her upcoming memoir titled Melania, addressed the traumatic event and raised concerns about security failures surrounding the incident.
In the video, Melania Trump spoke about the “horrible, distressing experience” of the attempt on her husband’s life, expressing her frustration with the lack of preventive action by law enforcement. “I can’t help but wonder, why didn’t law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech? There is definitely more to the story, and we need to uncover the truth,” she said, referring to the security lapses that allowed the shooter to come dangerously close to carrying out his attack.
https://t.co/ZCTwZSqZND [4] pic.twitter.com/KKA6anTEYC [5]
— MELANIA TRUMP (@MELANIATRUMP) September 10, 2024 [6]
The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had reportedly flown a drone near the rally site prior to the event and was spotted with suspicious equipment, including a rangefinder and a backpack.
Despite these red flags, Crooks was able to reach a rooftop vantage point, from which he fired shots at the former president.
The security failures sparked public outcry and eventually led to the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.
Shortly after Melania’s video was posted to X, Don Lemon reacted to it in a now-deleted TikTok video, which quickly sparked controversy.
Don Lemon mocks Melania Trump describing her distress over the attempted ass*ss*nation of her husband. Sick. pic.twitter.com/4LGbBeKomN [7]
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 11, 2024 [8]
In the video, Lemon was seen rolling his eyes, shaking his head, waving his hands, and covering his face as Melania described the harrowing experience. When Melania questioned the lack of action from law enforcement, Lemon’s dismissive gestures continued, further fueling backlash against his response.
Lemon’s reaction has drawn sharp criticism from many who believe his actions were inappropriate, especially given the gravity of the situation.
Melania Trump’s video was intended to raise awareness about the security failures and promote her memoir, which is set for release on October 1.
The book, titled Melania, is described as “the powerful and inspiring story of a woman who has defined personal excellence, overcome adversity, and carved her own path.”
As the controversy over Lemon’s reaction continues, supporters of the former first lady are calling out the former CNN anchor for mocking her during a moment of vulnerability.
Fox News’s Jesse Watters weighed in on all this and more. Watch:
ALERT: The Secret Service leader in charge of Presidential protective units, Michael Plati, announced his retirement yesterday. He’ll leave the service with full benefits and honors, despite the fact that @realdonaldtrump [9] was nearly killed under his watch. Top sources inside the… pic.twitter.com/B9JrT9PoBi [10]
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) September 12, 2024 [11]
Lemon, who has been known for his outspoken views, has not yet publicly commented on the incident.