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Don Lemon Pleads Not Guilty Amid Press Freedom Controversy

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, pleaded not guilty to federal charges tied to his coverage of a January protest at a Minnesota church.
His charges include conspiracy to deprive civil rights and violating the FACE Act.
Lemon's legal team has filed a motion challenging the indictment, alleging political pressure from the Trump administration, and the National Association of Black Journalists condemned the case as an attack on press freedom.

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Story summary

Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, pleaded not guilty to federal charges tied to his coverage of a January protest at a Minnesota church.
His charges include conspiracy to deprive civil rights and violating the FACE Act.
Lemon's legal team has filed a motion challenging the indictment, alleging political pressure from the Trump administration, and the National Association of Black Journalists condemned the case as an attack on press freedom.