The Don Lemon Show
The Don Lemon Show
January 26, 2026

Lemon LIVE at 5 | Donald Trump & MAGA Are In Panic Mode!

Quick Read

Don Lemon and Rick Wilson assert that the Trump administration's aggressive ICE actions, including the shooting of Alex Prey, represent state-sanctioned murder and a constitutional crisis, causing panic among Republicans and highlighting a stark hypocrisy in their stance on gun rights and the rule of law.
ICE actions, like the shooting of Alex Prey, are framed as 'public executions' violating multiple constitutional amendments.
Republicans are reportedly 'in a panic' over negative public opinion on immigration, an issue traditionally strong for them.
The administration is accused of extreme hypocrisy, defending armed vigilantes while demonizing legal gun owners who criticize Trump.

Summary

Don Lemon and guest Rick Wilson intensely criticize the Trump administration's handling of recent ICE actions, particularly the shooting of Alex Prey, which they characterize as a 'public execution by American secret police.' They highlight the perceived hypocrisy of the administration and its supporters regarding Second Amendment rights, contrasting the treatment of Alex Prey (legally carrying a gun, shot eight times) with figures like Kyle Rittenhouse (killed two, exonerated). The discussion extends to the administration's alleged use of an opposition research firm to discredit Prey and its broader disregard for constitutional principles. Michael Gold, a New York Times reporter, confirms a growing 'panic' among congressional Republicans concerned about the political fallout and negative public opinion on immigration. The episode concludes with calls for Democratic leaders to actively protest ICE actions and for society to collectively deem these behaviors unacceptable, with Lemon speculating that the aggressive actions might be a distraction from the Epstein files.
This episode matters because it exposes the deep political polarization and perceived constitutional erosion in the U.S., particularly concerning federal law enforcement overreach and the selective application of rights. It highlights how political narratives are constructed and weaponized, and how public opinion on critical issues like immigration and state power can shift rapidly, potentially impacting upcoming elections and the future of civil liberties.

Takeaways

  • The shooting of Alex Prey by ICE agents is labeled a 'public execution by American secret police' by Rick Wilson.
  • The Trump administration is accused of violating the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments through its actions in Minneapolis.
  • Republican congressional members, including James Comer and Andrew Garbarino, are expressing concern and calling for hearings on ICE's conduct.
  • Trump's approval numbers on immigration, once a strong point, are now 'upside down' and a 'boat anchor' for down-ballot Republicans.
  • Democrats are urged to 'find their spine,' stop the ICE funding bill, and physically protest ICE actions in Minneapolis.

Bottom Line

The Trump administration is allegedly using an opposition research firm, paid for by the RNC, to dig into the lives of individuals like Alex Prey to find material for attacks.

So What?

This suggests a systematic, politically motivated campaign to discredit victims of federal actions, rather than an objective investigation, further eroding trust in government processes.

Impact

Investigative journalists could expose the operations and funding of such opposition research firms and their impact on public discourse and justice.

Rick Wilson predicts a potential 'civil war' if ICE 'fires into a crowd for the first time' and 'kills more than one person at a time,' moving from 'killing retail to killing wholesale.'

So What?

This highlights the extreme perceived escalation of state violence and the potential for widespread civil unrest, suggesting a dangerous trajectory for national stability.

Impact

Policymakers and community leaders should proactively address the root causes of such tensions and establish clear, de-escalatory protocols for federal law enforcement interactions with the public.

Don Lemon speculates that the Trump administration's aggressive actions and manufactured crises are a 'distraction from the Epstein files.'

So What?

This theory suggests a deeper, potentially corrupt motive behind the administration's controversial policies, aiming to divert public attention from damaging revelations.

Impact

Further scrutiny into the timing of major political controversies relative to other significant, potentially embarrassing news could reveal patterns of strategic distraction.

Lessons

  • Call your congressional representatives and senators, especially Chuck Schumer, to demand they vote against the ICE funding bill (CR) to prevent further aggressive actions.
  • Democratic officials should physically go to Minneapolis and stand with protesters in front of ICE facilities to demonstrate solidarity and force a public confrontation.
  • Society as a whole, including media and the business community, must collectively declare the current state of federal law enforcement actions unacceptable and demand change.

Notable Moments

Rick Wilson describes the shooting of Alex Prey by ICE agents, detailing the sequence of events leading to Prey being shot eight times in the back after his legally carried gun was taken.

This graphic description sets the tone for the entire episode, framing the event as a clear act of state violence and a violation of rights, rather than a justified law enforcement action.

The hosts contrast the treatment of Alex Prey with Kyle Rittenhouse, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of the Trump administration and its supporters regarding Second Amendment rights and self-defense.

This comparison directly challenges the consistency of conservative principles, arguing that gun rights are selectively applied based on political alignment, undermining the concept of universal constitutional protections.

A clip of Barack Obama addressing protesters about immigration policy is played, where he emphasizes acting within the bounds of the law and the Constitution, contrasting it with Trump's approach.

This moment serves to highlight a perceived fundamental difference in presidential conduct, framing Obama as a leader who respects legal limits versus Trump as one who disregards them for political ends.

Quotes

"

"This is a public execution. This is a public execution by American secret police."

Rick Wilson
"

"If the government can shoot you eight times in the back in the street and the president's entire administration laughs it off and defends it, you don't live in a free country."

Rick Wilson
"

"If the Second Amendment only applies to friends of Trump and fans of Trump, you don't have a Second Amendment. If the First Amendment only applies to friends of Trump and fans of Trump, you don't have a First Amendment."

Rick Wilson
"

"Trump's numbers now on immigration are upside down. That was his best issue and now it's collapsed to be a negative... It's a boat anchor for these for these Republicans down the ballot."

Rick Wilson
"

"They are violating every aspect of our Bill of Rights. And that's again why I'm here in Minnesota because the people here in Minnesota in Minneapolis are standing up for all of us. They're standing up for our constitution."

Ro Khanna

Q&A

Recent Questions

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