Former CNN anchor Don Lemon is now at the center of a firestorm after silently mocking Melania Trump’s recent video statement about the attempted assassination of her husband, former President Donald Trump. Lemon’s reaction came just hours after he condemned President Trump as a “bully.”
Melania Trump released a 30-second video on social media, where she expressed her deep concern over the July 13 shooting incident in Butler, Pennsylvania. In her video, she called for answers, stating, “The attempt to end my husband’s life was a horrible, distressing experience. Now, the silence around it feels heavy.” This video serves as her first on-camera commentary about the shooting by Thomas Mathew Crooks.
Task Force Investigates the Assassination Attempt
The U.S. House-appointed Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump is diligently compiling records from various authorities, including the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs investigators have also been conducting interviews with those linked to the Butler rally. “I can’t help but wonder: Why didn’t law enforcement officials arrest the shooter before the speech?” continues Melania Trump. “There is definitely more to this story, and we need to uncover the truth.”
Melania Trump’s Silence Broken
Before releasing this video, Melania Trump had remained silent on camera about the incident, though she did issue a statement the day after the shooting.
On July 14, Melania Trump, “When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron’s life, were on the brink of devastating change.”
Her latest remarks came just before President Trump debated Kamala Harris, where he told the nation, “I probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that [Democrats] say about me.”
Don Lemon’s Controversial Reaction
Don Lemon, who had labeled Trump a “bully” during the debate, was quick to ridicule Melania’s poignant video. In a TikTok video, Lemon rolled his eyes, shook his head, and threw up his hands in apparent disbelief as he watched the former first lady’s remarks. Conservative media personality Chaya Raichik’s Libs of TikTok shared Lemon’s video, branding it “sick.”
Outrage Over Lemon’s Mockery
The backlash was swift. Conservative columnist Joe Concha blasted Lemon, tweeting, “There can’t be a more pathetic, attention-starved human being on the planet. What person in their right mind would ever mock a wife over an assassination attempt against her husband? Don Lemon, everyone!”
Army veteran Rob Smith echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Lemon “is the prime example of someone that needs direction and scripting from cable news overlords.” Facing the uproar, Lemon deleted the video, but the damage was already done. The Daily Mail reported that Lemon’s representative has yet to respond to the growing controversy.
Mockery of Victims Continues
Lemon’s actions are not isolated. In liberal media, others have mocked the victims of the Butler rally incident. The Onion, owned by Democratic donor and Twilio co-founder Jeff Lawson, made a dark joke about the death of Corey Comperatore—a heroic ex-firefighter who died while trying to protect his family during the assassination attempt. The Onion quipped during the debate that people don’t leave Trump rallies; “they’re carried out in body bags.”
Public Outcry Over Tasteless Jokes
This series of mockery has left many outraged, questioning the lack of empathy certain media figures display. While the investigation into the assassination attempt continues, the debate over media conduct and responsibility has only intensified.
