Trump slams Don Lemon after FACE Act violation charge: 'He's a sleazebag!

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday, January 31, slammed former CNN anchor Don Lemon as a "sleazebag" following the former CNN host's arrest related to the January 18 protest at a Minnesota church. Authorities allege that the protest violated the religious freedom of those attending the church service.

Lemon was taken into custody on Thursday night in Los Angeles and charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act for livestreaming the protest on YouTube as it unfolded. His Los Angeles-based attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, said Lemon intends to plead not guilty to the charges.  

Trump reacts to Don Lemon’s arrest aboard Air Force One

While traveling from Washington, DC, to West Palm Beach on Saturday, when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if he had knowledge of Lemon’s arrest, Trump said he did not know anything “about the Don Lemon thing.”

He told the media, "No! I don't know anything about the Don Lemon thing but he's a sleazebag! Everyone knows that.”

“He's a washed-up, probably from his standpoint, this is the best thing that could happen to him! He got no viewers, he's a failure, he's a failed host and now he's in the news. I didn't know anything about it," the 79-year-old added. 

Don Lemon says he 'will not be silenced'

After being released on personal recognizance after a hearing on Friday afternoon, Lemon stood outside the courthouse and told his supporters that he would not be intimidated by the government.

He argued that the First Amendment gives him the right to cover the news, even when it involves protests at a church.

The former CNN host, who now works as an independent journalist, told the crowd, "I’ve spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact, there is no more important time than right now this very moment for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable.”

He asserted, “I will not stop now. I will not stop ever. Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news. The First Amendment of the Constitution protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court."

Lemon made it clear that he plans to fight the charges in court to protect the rights of all journalists.