Over the years, Don Lemon has built a career on bold commentary and high-profile interviews. But along the way, he’s also racked up a long list of critics — including politicians, fellow journalists, media personalities, and Hollywood stars. From political firestorms to public fallouts with former friends, here are some of the most notable people who haven’t exactly seen eye-to-eye with the former CNN personality.
Donald Trump’s Long-Running Feud
Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Lemon over the years, often criticizing his coverage and on-air interviews. Tensions escalated after Lemon interviewed LeBron James, who openly criticized Trump. In response, Trump mocked both men on social media, writing that Lemon had made James “look smart.”
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The feud intensified in 2026 following Lemon’s coverage of ICE protests in Minneapolis. Trump reshared a post on Truth Social suggesting Lemon should be imprisoned. When Lemon was later arrested, Trump publicly claimed he knew nothing about it — though he also remarked that the arrest might boost Lemon’s viewership.
Megyn Kelly: From Friendship to Feud
At one point, Megyn Kelly described her bond with Lemon as a “beautiful friendship.” But their relationship soured after Kelly’s 2018 blackface controversy. Lemon openly criticized NBC for hiring her, questioning both the decision and her ratings.
When Lemon later faced backlash for on-air comments about politician Nikki Haley, Kelly seized the opportunity to call him out. While she did criticize CNN’s handling of his eventual firing as “classless,” she made it clear she was no fan of Lemon personally.
By 2024, Kelly was openly attacking Lemon’s new ventures, even stating she planned to “mock” his return to media platforms. Following his 2026 arrest, she reportedly went as far as calling for jail time — signaling that any former goodwill between them had long evaporated.
Chris Cuomo’s Loyalty Dispute
Another fractured friendship involved former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo. Once known for their on-air camaraderie and off-screen closeness, the two reportedly drifted apart after Cuomo’s 2021 firing from CNN.
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While Cuomo acknowledged that Lemon reached out during that difficult period, he later suggested the support wasn’t enough. Speaking on the “PBD Podcast,” Cuomo described himself as a “loyalty guy,” hinting that he felt let down.
Though Cuomo defended Lemon publicly after his arrest, he made it clear their once-tight relationship had cooled significantly.
Elon Musk and the Canceled X Show
When Lemon announced his new show on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk initially appeared enthusiastic. However, their partnership quickly unraveled after a tense on-camera interview.
During the conversation, Lemon pressed Musk about immigration posts and content moderation policies on X. Musk became visibly irritated, at one point reminding Lemon he didn’t have to answer questions and warning him to “choose your question carefully.”
Within hours of the interview, Musk canceled the show’s distribution deal. Lemon later criticized the move, questioning Musk’s commitment to open dialogue.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama With Kaitlan Collins
Reports of tension between Lemon and former “CNN This Morning” co-host Kaitlan Collins surfaced in early 2023. According to insider accounts, Lemon allegedly confronted Collins after a broadcast, upset that she had spoken over him during the show.
While both journalists have remained publicly professional — even appearing cordial at later events — sources suggested the working relationship became strained behind the scenes.
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Jonah Hill’s Viral Clapback
Even Hollywood hasn’t been immune to Lemon’s conflicts. In 2012, Lemon tweeted about an awkward encounter with Jonah Hill, implying the actor had mistaken him for hotel staff.
Hill fired back online, sarcastically asking if Lemon expected him to “move in” with him. The exchange escalated briefly before Lemon later clarified he didn’t have real “beef” with the actor — though the public spat remains one of his more memorable celebrity clashes.
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