Former CNN anchor Don Lemon calls Trump ‘racist piece of s**t!’ over his remarks on Somalis

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former CNN anchor and podcast host Don Lemon unleashed a scathing attack on President Donald Trump, calling him a "racist piece of s**t" while criticizing the media for hesitating to cover his remarks, particularly those about Somali immigrants. 

Lemon and his guest, Tommy Christopher, discussed the challenges journalists face in pushing back against the president's "disqualifying" comments due to concerns about job security.

Don Lemon justifies strong language toward Donald Trump

During the Friday episode of ‘The Don Lemon Show’ podcast, Lemon criticized President Trump’s statements on Somalis, saying, "It’s racist, it’s vulgar, it’s beneath the dignity of the White House, it is sexist.” 

He added, “And quite frankly, it’s just gross, and Donald Trump seems like a gross, bigoted, racist piece of s**t!” 

Lemon explained his choice of words: “I can say that now because that’s how I feel. If someone called me or someone I knew garbage, I’m giving him the same energy. If he can speak that way, if he can say sh****le countries, I can use the same word.”

Job security fear silences journalists on president

Lemon said fear of losing their jobs is preventing journalists from challenging the president, which affects the quality of news coverage.

“I think journalists are in a tough position right now. People at all the networks are concerned about how much they push back,” Lemon said.

He noted the personal stakes: “If your job is in jeopardy, everyone has a mortgage or rent, kids to feed, bills to pay. That can affect the content.”

Lemon added that more pushback would occur "if people weren’t afraid to criticize this president."

President Donald Trump's remarks on Somalis

Lemon’s comments were a response to President Trump’s recent statements about Somalis, following a report on an alleged fraud scheme in Minnesota. 

Trump had said, “They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country, I’ll be honest with you,” and, “Some will say that is not politically correct. I don’t care. Their country is no good for a reason.” 

He further claimed, "When they come from hell and complain and do nothing but complain, we don't want them in our country, let them go back and fix it." Trump also insisted the US cannot continue to accept "garbage into our country" and criticized immigrants for not contributing to the economy.

Don Lemon says Donald Trump's comments are 'disqualifying'

Lemon emphasized that such remarks should disqualify Trump from the presidency. “I think what he said about Somalia, that is disqualifying to be president of the United States,” Lemon said. 

He added that calling a sitting member of Congress garbage and referring to Somalia as garbage reinforces the severity of Trump’s language.