Don Lemon Enlists Former Federal Prosecutor for Legal Support in Minnesota Investigations

In a surprising turn of events, Don Lemon has enlisted the services of a former prosecutor as his legal representative. This development comes as Lemon prepares for his upcoming court appearance, scheduled for Friday. The attorney stepping into this role, Joseph Thompson, recently resigned from the office that is now prosecuting the former CNN anchor, adding an intriguing layer to the proceedings.

Thompson formally notified the judge of his involvement in the case on Tuesday. His entry into the legal fray could signal a shift in strategy for Lemon as he navigates the legal challenges ahead. While the specifics of the case remain under wraps, the decision to bring Thompson on board suggests a tactical move that might influence the upcoming legal battle.

Updated: Feb 11, 2026 / 09:05 AM EST

(The Hill) — Don Lemon has brought on an attorney who recently resigned from the office prosecuting the former CNN anchor, according to a new court filing. 

Joseph Thompson informed the judge Tuesday that he will represent Lemon ahead of his next court appearance, which is slated for Friday.

Until last month, Thompson served as the No. 2 official in the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota. He helped lead the office’s investigation into social services fraud that has emerged as a national scandal. 

Thompson resigned alongside several colleagues last month as reports emerged that the Justice Department was reluctant to investigate the federal agent who killed Renée Good in Minneapolis and was seeking to investigate her partner. 

Thompson will now represent Lemon as he looks to fend off federal civil rights charges.

The indictment stems from Lemon’s coverage of a Jan. 18 demonstration in which protestors interrupted a St. Paul church service to oppose a pastor who reportedly serves as a federal immigration officer.  

Lemon maintains he was acting as a journalist and denies wrongdoing. 

Thompson joins what was already a high-profile legal team for the former CNN anchor. 

Lemon is also represented by Abbe Lowell, a Washington lawyer whose client list has included Hunter Biden, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and Federal Reserve Bank Governor Lisa Cook.