The Don Lemon Show

Latest Episodes:

The Redistricting Fight Could Change Everything! May 12, 2026

Show notes

This morning, we break down the growing fallout from the latest redistricting battles and the mounting concerns about efforts aimed at weakening Black political representation across the country. From Tennessee to other states now pursuing similar strategies, the fight over congressional maps is becoming one of the biggest political stories heading into the midterms. Civil rights advocates warn these moves could dramatically reshape representation and voting power for years to come. So what exactly is happening, why are these battles escalating now, and what could it mean for the future of the midterms, and American democracy itself?We are joined by Texas State Representative Jolanda Jones, Anti-racism educator and author Tim Wise, and Politico senior political columnist Jonathan Martin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chelsea Handler & Sheryl Underwood on The Kevin Hart Roast! May 12, 2026

Show notes

Tonight, we dive into the controversy surrounding the recent roast of Kevin Hart. Critics say the event crossed the line into vulgarity, sexism, and racism, while others argue that nothing should be off-limits in comedy. So where is the line? Did it go too far? Don is joined by Chelsea Handler and Sheryl Underwood, who both participated in the roast, for a candid conversation about comedy, culture, free expression, and why these debates seem more heated than ever. This episode is sponsored by "Bullies, Parasites and Slaves." Get your copy of "Bullies, Parasites and Slaves" at https://www.BPS.online or text the word, "BULLY" to 511511 and receive an immediate link to get the book – paperback, E-book or audio. Text Fees may apply. This episode is brought to you by Helix. Go to helixsleep.com/DON for 27% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout, so they know we sent you! This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off and free rush shipping so you can add LEAN to you healthy diet and exercise plan. Visit https://takelean.com enter LEMON for your discount. This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Go to https://incogni.com/donlemon and use code donlemon for 60% off. Incogni HELPS wipe yourself from the Internet — they can't harm you if they can't find you. Click the link below to claim your 60% off and get your personal data off the market! Erase yourself from the internet

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Iran, Redistricting, Mifepristone & a Growing Hantavirus Scare May 11, 2026

Show notes

Good morning, Lemon Nation 🍋 A lot to unpack this morning. Iran has responded to Donald Trump's latest proposal with a new set of demands that Trump is already calling "unacceptable." So where does this go from here? Are we heading toward another escalation just as people were hoping tensions might cool down? Meanwhile, the redistricting battles continue to intensify across the country, with growing concerns about what these fights could mean for voting rights, representation, and the future of the midterms. And then there's the growing hantavirus scare. Cruise passengers have finally been released, but 17 Americans are now being quarantined in Nebraska after possible exposure, and at least one American passenger has already tested positive. Health officials say this is not another COVID situation, but considering the history of our current healthcare officials, many people are understandably anxious. This morning, we're joined by journalist Aaron Parnas to break it all down. This episode is sponsored by "Bullies, Parasites and Slaves." Get your copy of "Bullies, Parasites and Slaves" at https://www.BPS.online or text the word, "BULLY" to 511511 and receive an immediate link to get the book – paperback, E-book or audio. Text Fees may apply. This episode is brought to you by Helix. Go to helixsleep.com/DON for 27% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout, so they know we sent you! This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off and free rush shipping so you can add LEAN to you healthy diet and exercise plan. Visit https://takelean.com enter LEMON for your discount. This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Go to https://incogni.com/donlemon and use code donlemon for 60% off. Incogni HELPS wipe yourself from the Internet — they can't harm you if they can't find you. Click the link below to claim your 60% off and get your personal data off the market! Erase yourself from the internet

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Economy, the Polls & Voting Rights Fallout! May 10, 2026

Show notes

Another chaotic week is in the books, and the stakes just keep getting higher. From growing economic anxiety and rising costs to new polling showing increasing concerns about Donald Trump's mental fitness for the presidency, Americans are asking serious questions about where the country is headed. Meanwhile, the fallout from the Supreme Court's gutting of the Voting Rights Act is already playing out in Tennessee, where Republicans pushed forward a redistricting plan to dismantle the state's only majority-Black district. And Tennessee is just the beginning. Similar fights are emerging across the country, raising alarms about representation, voting rights, and what the midterms could look like moving forward.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Special Mother's Day Conversation with Don & Mom May 10, 2026

Show notes

In this special Mother's Day conversation, Don sits down with the woman who knows him best, his mom 💛 The two share heartfelt stories, laughs, and reflections on family, life, and the bond that shaped Don into who he is today. A special celebration of moms everywhere and the people who keep us grounded no matter what.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Rants at Kids, Kash Attacks the Media & the Optics of the Met Gala May 09, 2026

Show notes

Another week, another round of absolute chaos. From Donald Trump turning a children's event in the Oval Office into a rambling lecture about war and politics, to Kash Patel reportedly targeting The Atlantic in yet another escalation against the free press, the madness just kept coming. Then there was Secretary of State Marco Rubio heading to the Vatican after months of Trump attacking the pope. Damage control? Sure feels like it. And of course, the week wrapped with the Met Gala, an eye-popping display of wealth and excess that felt wildly disconnected from reality at a time when so many Americans are struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty. Especially with Jeff Bezos attached to the event, the optics were… a lot.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cruelty for Profit? Inside ICE Prisons May 09, 2026

Show notes

Don sits down with journalist Nick Valencia to discuss his latest reporting from inside the private prisons being used to hold ICE detainees. The conversation dives into the growing role of for-profit detention centers, the conditions detainees are facing behind closed doors, and the massive financial incentives tied to expanded detention. From disease outbreaks to allegations of inadequate care, the reporting paints a disturbing picture of a system that prioritizes profit over humanity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Redistricting & Democracy: What's Happening to Voting Rights?! May 08, 2026

Show notes

Tonight, we break down the escalating redistricting battles happening across the country and the growing concerns about MAGA efforts to reducing Black political representation. In Virginia, the only redistricting map that was actually approved directly by voters has now been overturned by the state Supreme Court. So what does this mean for voting rights, representation, and the future of democracy heading into the midterms? More importantly, what can people actually do about it? Then we pivot to growing concerns around hantavirus after reports that two people in New Jersey may have been exposed. What is hantavirus, how serious is it, and how worried should the public actually be? Don is joined by political analyst and author Tiffany Cross to break it all down. This episode is sponsored by FFRF. Visit https://ffrf.us/don or text DON 511511 to join or learn more. Because freedom belongs to all of us. Text Fees May Apply This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/donlemon This episode is brought to you by Aura Frames. Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DONLEMON. Promo Code DONLEMON

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don On The Scene: Young Voters Are Struggling to Find Jobs! May 08, 2026

Show notes

This afternoon, Don takes it to the streets to hear directly from the people, because right now, folks are fed up. Today's jobs report technically came in stronger than expected, with the U.S. adding more jobs than economists predicted. But for a lot of Americans, that headline doesn't match reality. People are struggling to find work, prices are still painfully high, and gas costs continue to climb as tensions with Iran and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz drag on. So what's really happening in this economy? Why does everything feel so disconnected from what people are actually experiencing? Don hits the streets to hear what everyday people have to say about jobs, affordability, the Iran conflict, and the growing frustration boiling across the country.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Voting Rights, Young Voters, and Growing Fear Around the Hantavirus! May 08, 2026

Show notes

This morning, we've got a lot to unpack. First, we head to Tennessee to break down the escalating redistricting fight and growing concerns about efforts critics say could dilute Black voting power. Justin J. Pearson joins us to discuss what's happening, what's at stake, and why this battle could have major implications beyond Tennessee. Then we pivot to the midterms and the fight for young voters with political pollster and strategist Joshua Doss and activist Cameron Kasky. Are Democrats doing enough to energize younger voters, and could turnout determine the future of the election? And finally, we tackle growing concerns around hantavirus with friend of the show Dr. Frita. What is it, how does it spread, and how worried should people actually be? Politics, public health, democracy, it's all coming up this morning. This episode is sponsored by FFRF. Visit https://ffrf.us/don or text DON 511511 to join or learn more. Because freedom belongs to all of us. Text Fees May Apply This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/donlemon This episode is brought to you by Aura Frames. Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DONLEMON. Promo Code DONLEMON

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices