HOT TOPICS | Donald Trump Shifts Strategy in Minneapolis Following ICE Shootings!

Don Lemon argues that Donald Trump is implementing a calculated strategy to distance himself from the controversial ICE shootings in Minneapolis. This involves demoting or sidelining officials like Greg Bavino and Christine Gnome, and publicly signaling that Trump had previously called for a different approach. The goal is to shift blame from the top to those on the ground, framing their actions as a failure to follow his directives.

Greg Bavino, an ICE official, was reportedly demoted and 'deported' to El Centro, with claims of impending retirement (02:35). Christine Gnome, referred to as 'Ice Barbie,' is also reportedly being 'iced' (03:24). Kayleigh McEnany stated on Fox News that Trump had wanted the strategy to change two weeks prior, and when it didn't, 'heads have to roll' (15:12, 51:42). The New York Post editorial called for 'deescalation' in Minneapolis, noting that current 'enforcement tactics won't turn the tide and instead are backfiring' (24:04).

Lemon asserts that conservative media outlets are acting as 'state-run media,' receiving and disseminating new directives from the Trump administration. This is evidenced by a sudden shift in their coverage, moving away from aggressive defenses of the Minneapolis actions towards calls for 'deescalation' and a focus on other topics, aligning with Trump's new strategy to mitigate political damage.

Lemon observed conservative news channels like Newsmax and Fox attempting to 'move on' from the Minneapolis events, discussing 'the storm' and 'strategy for 2026' (10:06). He explicitly states, 'they must have gotten the orders from Donald Trump or someone to like get off of this. Move on.' (11:01). The New York Post editorial, a 'very conservative, Trumpy' paper, explicitly called for 'deescalate in Minneapolis' (24:04).

Lemon highlights a New York Times analysis of video footage from the Alex Prey shooting, which he argues directly refutes the administration's claims that Prey was an 'assassin' or 'domestic terrorist.' The video reportedly shows Prey attempting to help a woman, being pepper-sprayed, restrained by multiple agents, and having his gun removed before being shot multiple times while on his knees.

A moment-by-moment New York Times analysis of the shooting details Prey filming, trying to help a person, being pepper-sprayed, then grabbed and pinned by seven agents. An agent in a gray coat 'appears to pull a gun from near Prey's right hip' before another agent fires multiple shots at Prey while he is restrained on his knees (32:29). Lemon states, 'I saw a man who was there to videotape to support the protesters... his natural inclination is to help... this man did not have to lose his life because of their incompetence' (17:57).

Lemon exposes what he views as profound hypocrisy within conservative media regarding gun rights and protest actions. He contrasts their defense of Kyle Rittenhouse, who openly carried a rifle at a protest, with their condemnation of Alex Prey, who had a legal permit to carry a gun that was reportedly removed before he was killed while attempting to help someone.

Lemon plays clips of conservative figures praising Kyle Rittenhouse as a 'conservative hero' and a 'good young guy' for 'brandishing a weapon' (1:01:36). He then contrasts this with the same figures, like Megan Kelly, stating, 'I don't feel sorry for Alex Prey... because I kept my ass inside and out of their operations' (56:17, 1:03:41). Jessica Tarlov on Fox News also points out this double standard, noting 'Kyle Rittenhouse was a conservative hero... but this guy who had a legal permit to carry and already had had his gun removed... is some sort of instigator' (46:47).