'Who trusts this guy?' Don Lemon faces backlash as he tells Bill Maher Donald Trump 'looks diminished' at hush money trial

Don Lemon said the hush money case against Donald Trump 'has the potential to bring him down'
Bill Maher told former CNN host Don Lemon that he has 'always been against' the criminal case accusing Trump of hiding payments to an adult film star (@RealTime/YouTube, Getty Images)
Bill Maher told former CNN host Don Lemon that he has 'always been against' the criminal case accusing Trump of hiding payments to an adult film star (@RealTime/YouTube, Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: While Bill Maher had once criticized the hush money cover-up case against Donald Trump, he stated on Friday night that he now entertains the possibility of Trump losing at trial.

Maher, who had a recent interview with conservative pundit Piers Morgan regarding Trump, mentioned to former CNN host Don Lemon that he has consistently opposed the criminal case alleging that Trump concealed payments to an adult film star to influence the 2016 election.

Bill Maher, who recently interviewed conservative pundit Piers Morgan about Trump, told former CNN host Don Lemon that he has
Bill Maher said he has 'always been against' the criminal case against Trump (@RealTime/YouTube)

Lemon and Maher discuss potential impact of Trump hush money case

"Because I thought, of all the ones you are bringing, this is going the least serious," Maher stated, noting that he even wrote editorials expressing this view. "Now I think Trump could lose. I'm turning on this one, because it's not what I thought it was gonna be."

Reportedly, Lemon responded affirmatively, stating that this particular case "has the potential to bring him down," emphasizing how the former president "looks diminished" and small in the context of the trial.

Maher continued by highlighting the significance of witness David Pecker's testimony, noting that Pecker, the head of the tabloid involved in "catch-and-kill" arrangements, is "not covering up anything" and that Trump orchestrated these actions for electoral reasons, not family matters.

(@RealTime/Youtube)
Don Lemon pointed out that Pecker still sees Trump as a mentor and as a friend (@RealTime/YouTube)

"This is a crucial point, and it's quite obvious. I believe even an American jury could grasp this," Maher remarked to Lemon.

Lemon added that despite Pecker's testimony, he still holds Trump in high regard as a mentor and friend.

"Now for you to testify against a mentor and a friend, it's gotta be true," Lemon said.

Maher emphasized that if this scenario unfolds as discussed, it will carry significant political repercussions.

(@RealTime/Youtube)
Bill Maher was joined by Scott Galloway- an award-winning journalist and Don Lemon  (@RealTime/YouTube)

"If this goes that way and Trump loses, it's going to change the whole election," he said. "A significant number of independents and Republicans say their vote will change if he's a convicted criminal, and he'll look like a loser, not that he doesn't already."

"And Alvin Bragg is gonna be the rising star of the Democratic party, because everyone said not a good idea, including me," Maher said.

Netizens slam Don Lemon over comments on trump trial

Social media was buzzing with opinions about 'The Real Time' episode, as users shared their thoughts.

One viewer noted, "Watching Don Lemon's face while he's in the middle of a rational discussion on real issues is worth a huge entertainment price. I don't think he's ever been in one of these."

Another said, "Don Lemon is still trying to find his talent — honestly and journalism are certainly not in his wheelhouse."

(@RealTime/Youtube)
(@RealTime/Youtube)

"Lemon is truly such a Lemon," another commented. 

"When life gave Lemon lemons, he made lemon media out of it," replied one person. 

(@RealTime/Youtube)
(@RealTime/Youtube)

"Don Lemon, clinging to relevancy with sweaty palms," another viewer wrote. "Awesome show great guests!! New Rules," a viewer praised.

(@RealTime/Youtube)
(@RealTime/YouTube)
(@RealTime/Youtube)
(@RealTime/YouTube)

"Don the Con ! Who trusts this guy," wrote another.

(@RealTime/Youtube)
(@RealTime/YouTube)

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

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

MORE STORIES

In his memoir, Joe Biden described the apparent contradiction as 'as if there were two Donald Trumps'
2026-11-11T03:52:24.000Z
Nine Kennedy family members opposed Donald Trump's arch, arguing it would obstruct views of President John F Kennedy’s grave and Eternal Flame
2026-11-11T03:40:32.000Z
US officials have reportedly assessed that Iran's ability to launch attacks within the country and other overseas territories remains limited
2026-11-11T03:18:55.000Z
Mike Johnson called Democrats taking control of the House a 'great tragedy,' saying Republicans could have continued delivering on their agenda
2026-11-11T02:12:06.000Z
Members of both parties in the House, including returning and newly elected lawmakers, meet privately to choose their leaders through secret ballot voting
2026-11-10T20:48:49.000Z
A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court ruled against the Trump administration’s plan to investigate the government’s confidential data leak cases, suggesting access to journalists’ LinkedIn records could impart a 'damaging blow' to First Amendment rights
2026-11-10T20:03:35.000Z
As the House prepares to consider a vote on Hegseth’s impeachment resolution, administration officials and Republican allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have defended the Pentagon chief’s military actions in Iran
2026-11-10T18:54:10.000Z
Senator Rick Scott, who signed a letter calling for Tuesday’s leadership vote to be postponed, said Republicans should first decide what they want to achieve before choosing their leader
2026-11-10T17:09:57.000Z
Thomas Massie introduced a privileged resolution under House rules, requiring the House to take it up within two legislative days if it is recognized as privileged
2026-11-10T15:38:44.000Z
General Counsel Tim Teter's outreach to federal investigators triggered internal concerns before the Justice Department took over the Megaspeed case
2026-11-10T07:07:01.000Z