Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: Exclusive: Don Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, one-on-one with Jen Psaki

Date: January 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode addresses an unprecedented assault on press freedom in America: the arrest of independent journalist Georgia Fort and former CNN anchor Don Lemon after their coverage of an ICE protest. Jen Psaki sits down for an exclusive, in-depth interview with Don Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, about the legal and constitutional stakes, the tactics being used by the Trump administration, and what this moment means for American democracy. The episode also covers the massive release of new Epstein files, political fallout, and features voices from newsmakers, survivors, and veteran journalists.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

1. Setting the Scene: A Turbulent News Week

[01:09] Jen Psaki

• Expectation vs. Reality: Many major news stories seemed likely to dominate—Trump suing the IRS, FBI drama in Georgia, a new impeachment inquiry into former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and a massive release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Widespread Protests: Across the country, people participated in a “general strike” boycotting work and school to protest ICE policies.
  • “Going to today, people already had so many reasons to protest…so I knew that was going to be a huge part of today’s news.” [05:39]

Notable Moment:

• Massive nationwide demonstrations—even in places like Cleveland with freezing temperatures (“13 degrees, and still this was the size of the crowd.” [05:39])

2. Arrest of Don Lemon & Georgia Fort: Details and Outrage

[06:00–11:09] Jen Psaki

• Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested by federal agents for covering an ICE protest at a Minnesota church involving an ICE official who was also a pastor.
• Attorney General Pam Bondi personally took credit for ordering the arrests.
• Indictment treats journalists as “agitators,” citing a “coordinated takeover” and “acts of oppression, intimidation… physical obstruction.”
• Footage shows Federal agents executing heavily armed warrants at journalists’ homes (“This seems a little aggressive to just serve a warrant watching. I would say that is more than a little aggressive myself. She has kids in the house.” [09:44])
• Initial charges rejected by two lower courts for lack of evidence; DOJ went to a grand jury to secure indictments.

Don Lemon’s Own Words (Post-Release):

“Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news. The First Amendment…protects that work for me and for countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silenced.”
– Don Lemon [10:40]

3. Exclusive Interview: Abbe Lowell, Don Lemon’s Attorney

[11:09–23:06] Jen Psaki & Abbe Lowell

Immediate Context and Impact

• Lowell: Lemon’s 30-year career of journalism is protected by the First Amendment, not just by an employment contract.

  “It’s protected by the First Amendment … what he’s done for 30 years is his job… And his job is to report on what it is that you saw he was doing in Minnesota.” [11:36]

• DOJ and White House immediately began public (social media) characterizations before formal procedures; Lowell reached out to DOJ, but still has not received a response.
• The arrest was designed to be intimidating:

  “They wanted it to be terrifying, they wanted it to be intimidating. They wanted it to create fear…” [12:50]

  • Lemon was trailed to Los Angeles, arrested at 11:30pm in a hotel lobby, and made to spend a night in jail—despite being represented by counsel and posing no threat.
  • Agents were excessive in number and force:
    “Not one, not two, not three, but the bevy of agents surround and take him away… Don thought he was being mugged…” [13:34]

The Broader Threat to Democracy

• Lowell draws historical parallels to authoritarian tactics:

  “These are two basic rights. For example, the First Amendment, when they attack the lawyers, it’s the Sixth Amendment. This is an administration that’s not just willing to trample on the Bill of Rights. They’re eager to do it. It’s a warning sign.” [14:25]

• Argues that these events represent a systemic assault on constitutional freedoms reminiscent of pre-WWII Italy or authoritarian Tehran.

Legal Tactics Used by DOJ

• DOJ misapplies the FACE Act—historically used to protect access to abortion clinics—now as a tool against journalists.

  “This act is not supposed to be used to arrest journalists for doing their job…what you’re not supposed to do is not distinguish between people who are covering it versus not.” [16:09]

• Dangers of criminalizing ordinary reporting and failure to differentiate between protest and press.

Why Don Lemon Targeted?

• Lack of institutional backing as an independent journalist; history of being a Trump critic and prominent Black voice.

  “I think it was partially because his lack of goodwill in this administration…It could have been something that Don said during that protest. It was a convenient thing for them to do to send their message: journalists of the United States…” [17:48]

Pattern of Authoritarian Abuse

• Through-line: Those who oppose Trump (journalists, lawyers, officials) are systematically targeted.
  • “If you have done anything in your career which has put you on the wrong side of Donald Trump’s decision that you are a political enemy, you are on that thread.” [19:06]
  • Coordinated moves: attack on the press, lawyers, and independent institutions.

Precedent and Red Line

• Lowell: “It has definitely crossed a line… I don’t think you’ve ever seen a time where all of this happens at the same time…in Minnesota, we now have had journalists charged with a crime for doing their job. We had two peaceful protesters killed…It is unprecedented.” [20:57]
• Silver lining: Some judicial resistance—magistrates and juries have pushed back.
• Next steps: Lemon will continue his journalism, they will challenge the indictment on its First Amendment violation, and hope the courts repair “what this administration tries to tear down.” [22:05]

Notable Quote (Satirical):

“One of the phrases…in the indictment is that in the church, he peppered the minister with questions. Hey, Jen, I have something to tell you. I think every night you pepper your guests with questions. That’s kind of what journalists do.” [22:05]

4. Massive Release of Epstein Files: Political and Victim Response

[23:09 onwards] Jen Psaki

Summary of New Revelations

• DOJ released ~3 million pages of Epstein files (about half of what it possesses).
  • Documents include unredacted survivor names—putting victims at risk—while many details on Trump and “co-conspirators” are missing or redacted.
  • Notable inclusions: deleted/re-added spreadsheets of Trump-related allegations, newly exposed connections (Elon Musk, Howard Lutnick), persistent cover-ups.
  • White House and DOJ accused of “making up laws themselves that don’t exist,” ignoring Congressional subpoenas.
• Congressman Robert Garcia (House Oversight) vows continued investigation and accountability, emphasizing that “the case is certainly not closed.”

  “They’re putting these women in danger. The carelessness, the lawlessness. Pam Bondi needs to be held in contempt. Republicans refuse to do so. And Donald Trump needs to understand that our work…is ongoing and we’re just getting started.” [28:42]

• Key question: Why is Trump so intent on hiding the files?

Survivor Statement: Annie Farmer

[33:58–38:08]

• Outrage over continued exposure of survivors’ identities, lack of accountability for abusers and enablers.

  “Once again survivors are having their names and identifying information exposed, while the men who abused them remain hidden and protected. This is outrageous.” [34:55]

• Farmer demands direct, transparent answers from Attorney General Bondi and action for justice.

  “I would ask her…what happened to me, why was more not done? Why is there no evidence in these files…of further investigation?” [35:50]

• Emotional plea for proper investigation and prosecution.

5. The Journalism Crisis: Panel with Eugene Daniels and Terry Moran

[39:55–45:26]

Journalists’ Reaction to the Arrests

• Terry Moran: Not surprised by the arrests—this move seemed to be coming after previous failed prosecutions.

  “They’re trying to criminalize ordinary reporting.” [40:35]

• Eugene Daniels: Highlights the chilling use of language (accusations of intimidation) against two Black journalists, echoing long-standing racial stereotypes.

  “It is not lost on me that the language they’re using in there, talking about two black journalists, is very specific…That is something that black people have heard our whole lives.” [41:15]

• Both stress: the point is to send a warning to all journalists—especially the most vulnerable and independent voices—hoping to create a “chill” in press freedom.

On Independence and Persistence

• Being an independent journalist brings greater risk, as they lack large organizations’ institutional protections.
• Don Lemon’s “persistence” in reporting is not a crime—it’s the core function of journalism.

  “He tried to get answers. And right there, the gentleman is answering him back, that’s called American flag freedom…that’s not criminal activity.” [43:50]

• Daniels:

  “What they should take stock in is that…both Georgia and Don don’t seem deterred. People in this country are not scared to stand up for the Constitution.” [44:41]

6. Final Thoughts and Visuals

[45:34 onwards]

• Massive protest images continue to flood in across the country.

  “The Trump administration does not want you to see them, but we think it’s very important that you see them.” [45:34]

• Closing thoughts stress that while this has been a dramatic and dark week for American democracy and press freedom, resistance continues both in the courts and in the streets.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news.” — Don Lemon, [10:40]
• “They’re eager to [trample the Bill of Rights]. It’s a warning sign…we’re in a lot more trouble than the average person believes.” — Abbe Lowell, [14:25]
• “This act is not supposed to be used to arrest journalists for doing their job…” — Abbe Lowell, [16:09]
• “These are not random, unconnected events. It is an assault on everything we are dear.” — Abbe Lowell, [18:44]
• “They’re putting these women in danger. The carelessness, the lawlessness.” — Rep. Robert Garcia, [28:42]
• “Once again Survivors are having their names and identifying information exposed, while the men who abused them remain hidden and protected. This is outrageous.” — Annie Farmer, [34:55]
• “They’re trying to criminalize ordinary reporting.” — Terry Moran, [40:35]
• “It is not lost on me that the language…two black journalists…is very specific. That is something black people have heard our whole lives.” — Eugene Daniels, [41:15]

Overall Tone

Serious, urgent, sometimes incredulous, and explicitly outraged at abuses of authority and constitutional violations. Psaki, her guests, and the episode as a whole reflect real anxiety about the state of American democracy, the safety of journalists, and the persistent struggle for truth and justice in the face of state power.