'Dumbest man on television': Donald Trump celebrates firing of Don Lemon from CNN
WASHINGTON DC: Former President Donald Trump referred to Don Lemon as the "dumbest man on television" after the former CNN host was unceremoniously sacked from the network. Just hours after CNN reported Lemon's departure from the network after a 17-year stint, Trump made comments implying that Lemon's exit was unexpected, suggesting he was caught off guard by the news. However, the news of Tucker Carlson's departure from Fox News came as a ''shock'' to him.
“Good News: ‘The dumbest man on television,’ Don Lemon, has finally been fired from Fake News CNN. My only question is, WHAT TOOK THEM SO LONG?” Trump said on Truth Social late Monday, April 24.
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'The least racist person in the world'
This was not the first time Trump referred to Lemon as the "dumbest person on television." Trump slammed Lemon in 2019 after the now-unemployed journalist accused Trump of being a racist during a Democratic presidential debate. “CNN’s Don Lemon, the dumbest man on television, insinuated last night while asking a debate ‘question’ that I was a racist, when in fact I am ‘the least racist person in the world,’” Trump wrote at the time.
CNN’s Don Lemon, the dumbest man on television, insinuated last night while asking a debate “question” that I was a racist, when in fact I am “the least racist person in the world.” Perhaps someone should explain to Don that he is supposed to be neutral, unbiased & fair,.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2019
“Perhaps someone should explain to Don that he is supposed to be neutral, unbiased & fair, or is he too dumb (stupid} to understand that. No wonder CNN’s ratings (MSNBC’s also) have gone down the tubes — and will stay there until they bring credibility back to the newsroom. Don’t hold your breath!” he added. In 2020, Trump referred to Lemon as a "lightweight - dumb as a rock." Lemon, a black man, responded by accusing Trump of employing a racist cliche.
“The president has called a lot of people stupid. Some of those people are white,” Lemon said before adding “But I would just like to note that referring to an African American as dumb — remember this is America — is one of the oldest canards of America’s racist past and present: that black people are of inferior intelligence.”
Trump criticized Lemon for being transferred from his primetime show to the mornings in September. “A small step for television, a giant step for mankind. Don Lemon, often called ‘the dumbest man on television’ having made even Lebron James look smart during their interview two years ago, has been FIRED from his prime time evening spot on CNN — extremely low ratings — and will be thrown into their ‘Death Valley’ morning show,” he wrote. “I assume this means a BIG salary cut prior to his Complete & Total future firing from Ratings Challenged (to put it mildly!) CNN. Good luck Don, you’ll need it! MAGA!!!” Trump added, the New York Post reported.
Soon after the firing Don Lemon put out this statement on Twitter, "I was informed this morning by my agent that I have been terminated by CNN. I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly." He continued, "At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network. It is clear that there are some larger issues at play. With that said, I want to thank my colleagues and the many teams I have worked with for an incredible run. They are the most talented journalists in the business, and I wish them all the best."
However, CNN refuted the allegations and said, "Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter."
Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) April 24, 2023
Meanwhile, Trump told Newsmax that he was “shocked” to hear that Tucker Carlson was out at Fox News. "Well, I'm shocked, I'm surprised. He's a very good person, a very good man, very talented, as you know, and he had very high ratings." He added, "I think Tucker's been terrific; he's been, especially over the last year or so, he's been terrific to me," Trump said before adding "Maybe he left because he wants to be given his free rein. He wants free rein maybe, but I was surprised by it."