Don Lemon alleges JD Vance is White House Situation Room's 'biggest leaker'

Don Lemon questioned whether JD Vance is source of reports on Epstein and Iran
Don Lemon claims that JD Vance disclosed sensitive Situation Room conversations as he frequently emerges from leaked accounts in a favorable light (Getty Images/ AP Photos)
Don Lemon claims that JD Vance disclosed sensitive Situation Room conversations as he frequently emerges from leaked accounts in a favorable light (Getty Images/ AP Photos)

WASHINGTON, DC: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has alleged that Vice President JD Vance could be a significant source of information behind recent reports detailing private White House discussions, including Situation Room conversations about the Epstein files and the administration's handling of the Iran conflict.

Speaking on Legal AF, Lemon argued that Vance frequently appears in a favorable light in reports about internal White House deliberations. He acknowledged, however, that there was no direct evidence tying Vance to the disclosures.

Lemon alleges Vance may be leaking info

Lemon discussed reporting contained in Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, a forthcoming book by reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The book reportedly includes details of internal discussions surrounding fallout from the release of files connected Jeffrey Epstein.

Lemon argued that Vance consistently appears favorably in leaked accounts and suggested that pattern raised questions about the source of the information. “JD Vance is like the biggest leaker of them all,” Lemon said, adding that the claim was based on what “many people have said and according to some of the reporting.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Don Lemon attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jody Gerson on February 01, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
 Don Lemon attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jody Gerson on February 01, 2025 in Los Angeles, California (Lester Cohen/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Lemon cited reporting about discussions surrounding the Iran war, noting that published accounts portrayed Vance as one of the administration officials expressing reservations about military action.

“Remember, the reporting was that JD Vance was the only one in the room who was against it,” Lemon said. “It's like, well, how does JD Vance always come out looking better than anyone?”

Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Turning Point USA tour stop at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
Vice President JD Vance speaks at a Turning Point USA tour stop at the University of Georgia in Athens (AP Photo/Erik S Lesser)

Lemon also acknowledged that others, including Trump himself, could potentially be sources for information appearing in media reports. “Donald Trump could very well be one of the people who leaked to Haberman," Lemon said, adding that it was possible the president “doesn't even realize it.”

Vance raises concerns over Situation Room disclosures

The comments come as Vance himself has voiced concern about sensitive internal conversations appearing in media reports.

Appearing on SiriusXM's The Megyn Kelly Show on Wednesday, June 17, the vice president said he was troubled by details contained in recent reporting that described discussions held inside the Situation Room.

Vice President JD Vance speaks from behind glass at the 45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol
Vice President JD Vance speaks from behind glass at the 45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the US Capitol (Getty Images)

“There’s always an element of truth. There’s always an element of non truth, but there were certain things in there that legitimately made me worried that people were like taping … which by the way is like a felony,” Vance said.

The reports cited by Lemon include a New York Times report on Situation Room discussions during the Iran war describing Vance as one of the most cautious voices in the room, reportedly warning about the potential political and strategic consequences of a broader conflict before ultimately supporting Trump's decision. 

Top White House officials believe that Haberman and Swan obtained recordings of the situation room for their book ‘Regime Change.'
Top White House officials believe that Haberman and Swan obtained recordings of the situation room for their book ‘Regime Change’ (Simon & Schuster) 

The second incident from an excerpt released from Regime Change alleged that Vance urged officials to release all Epstein-related files, including unsubstantiated allegations involving Trump. 

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Trump said he did not direct Scott Bessent to intervene in the bond market and that the Treasury secretary acted on his own initiative
32 minutes ago
Trump argued that a Democratic takeover would hurt jobs and businesses, and claimed they would seek to remove him from office without a clear reason
34 minutes ago
Trump praised Scott Jennings and Margo Martin as interest grows in who will take over the high-profile White House communications role
2 hours ago
Alejandro Brito demanded a retraction from the Center for American Progress, while CEO Neera Tanden defended its findings
2 hours ago
The Supreme Court temporarily paused a judicial order that would have required the construction of Trump's White House ballroom to stop at midnight Friday.
3 hours ago
Rosie O'Donnell repeatedly criticized Trump during her monologues, reviving a feud dating to her 2006-07 'The View' stint and his 2016 attacks
6 hours ago
Vance said earlier generations made his life possible, adding that Black, white, rich and poor Americans built the country together across generations
7 hours ago
Ken Paxton is facing a tight race against Democrat James Talarico, raising donor fears that Democrats could score a major win in the deep-red state
8 hours ago
National Cattlemen's Beef Association's CEO Colin Woodall warned that subsidized, below-market beef would not rebuild the US herd
8 hours ago
The Trump-aligned board voted in August 2026 to add inscriptions crediting him for renovations, prompting opponents to file emergency legal challenges
8 hours ago