Podcast Summary: The Jim Acosta Show – "Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Calls on Sen. Mike Lee to Apologize and Don Lemon on Trump's Birthday 'Flop'"

Release Date: June 17, 2025

In this poignant episode of The Jim Acosta Show, host Jim Acosta engages in a heartfelt and incisive discussion with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, addressing the tragic political assassinations in Minnesota and the subsequent spread of disinformation. The episode also features an attempt to include renowned journalist Don Lemon, highlighting the challenges and dynamics of modern media.

1. Introduction and Context of the Minnesota Tragedy

[00:00 – 04:13]

Jim Acosta opens the episode by welcoming Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to discuss the devastating shootings that occurred over the weekend. He provides a brief overview of the incident, where Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were wounded, and former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed.

• Jim Acosta: "In particular, compounding that tragedy is the disinformation that's swirling around the case." [00:00]

Ellison shares his personal connection to the victims, emphasizing the severity of the loss and the integrity of the individuals involved.

• Keith Ellison: "She was a person who was rare in that something...she also knew how to negotiate with the other side." [02:09]

2. Combating Disinformation Surrounding the Incident

[04:13 – 06:21]

The conversation shifts to the rampant disinformation following the tragedy. Acosta cites a misleading headline from the Minnesota Star Tribune questioning the suspect's ties to Governor Tim Wall, which is unequivocally false.

• Jim Acosta: "This is completely the opposite of what occurred." [05:23]

Ellison expresses frustration over the spread of false narratives, urging the public to remember the humanity of the victims and refrain from fueling lies.

• Keith Ellison: "This idea that we're somehow enemies because we have different points of view...we have got to confront that and quite seriously right away." [05:23 – 06:21]

3. Senator Mike Lee's Inflammatory Comments and Call for Apology

[06:21 – 08:54]

Acosta brings up Senator Mike Lee of Utah, referencing his deleted social media posts that erroneously blamed leftists for the assassination.

• Jim Acosta: "Senator Lee...he deleted social media posts blaming the left for this assassination." [06:21]

Ellison criticizes Lee for his irresponsible rhetoric and calls for a genuine apology to mend political divides.

• Keith Ellison: "I actually call upon the senator to actually apologize...I think Senator Lee needs to make an apology." [07:36 – 08:54]

4. The State of American Politics and Leadership

[08:54 – 11:27]

The discussion broadens to reflect on the increasing polarization and lack of civility in American politics. Ellison contrasts past leadership examples with current shortcomings, particularly highlighting President Trump's lack of compassion in the face of tragedy.

• Keith Ellison: "When tragedies have happened...leaders who at least would say, this is wrong, this is right, and I'm going to be a decent human being." [10:58 – 11:27]

5. The Role of Disinformation and Independent Media

[11:27 – 14:01]

Acosta and Ellison delve into the pervasive issue of disinformation, especially on social media platforms. Ellison advocates for the importance of independent media outlets like Acosta's Substack, which strive to present factual narratives amidst the chaos of conflicting information.

• Keith Ellison: "We need programs like yours and others where you come on and you say, wait a minute, that's not true." [13:17 – 14:01]

6. Attempted Inclusion of Don Lemon and Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics

[14:01 – 29:07]

In an engaging turn, Acosta attempts to bring Don Lemon onto the show to discuss media dynamics and recent events such as the "No Kings" protests. However, technical difficulties initially hinder the connection. After multiple attempts, Don Lemon successfully joins the conversation.

• Jim Acosta: "Don Lemon is stuck. He's accepted the invite three times." [25:36 – 25:39]

Once connected, Lemon shares insights on independent media's rise and critiques traditional networks for their handling of critical issues.

• Don Lemon: "Support independent media...We don't have the corporate influence." [30:20 – 30:34]

7. Analysis of Trump's Birthday Parade and Media Coverage

[30:34 – 34:00]

The dialogue shifts to President Trump's recent birthday parade, which Lemon and Acosta describe as a public relations failure. They critique the media's varied coverage of the event, highlighting the disparity between accurate reporting and sensationalized narratives.

• Don Lemon: "It was a flop...they could have taken care of all the health care for all of our active duty military...instead they spent $45 million on a parade that was a bomb." [31:17 – 33:43]

8. Discussion on Middle East Policies and Trump's Rhetoric

[34:00 – 43:44]

Acosta and Lemon explore President Trump's aggressive rhetoric towards Iran and the Middle East, drawing parallels to past conflicts like the Iraq War. They express concerns over the potential for misinformed policies leading to disastrous consequences.

• Jim Acosta: "The rhetoric he is using... is very interesting to me." [37:50]

Ellison reiterates the dangers of such rhetoric, emphasizing the need for measured and compassionate leadership.

• Keith Ellison: "We're not going to quit. We're going to keep it up." [19:16 – 19:33]

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

[43:44 – End]

As the conversation wraps up, Acosta reflects on the importance of unity and compassion in overcoming political and social challenges. He also touches upon upcoming personal commitments, such as his father's cataract surgery, hinting at potential absences in future broadcasts.

• Jim Acosta: "It's been a tough moment, but Minnesota is holding together." [19:16 – 19:33]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jim Acosta: "Don't give into the lies. Don't give into fear. Hold on to the truth. And hope." [Opening Statement]

• Keith Ellison: "She was a person who was rare in that something...she also knew how to negotiate with the other side." [02:09]

• Jim Acosta: "This is completely the opposite of what occurred." [05:23]

• Keith Ellison: "I actually call upon the senator to actually apologize...I think Senator Lee needs to make an apology." [07:36]

• Don Lemon: "Support independent media...We don't have the corporate influence." [30:20]

• Jim Acosta: "The rhetoric he is using... is very interesting to me." [37:50]

Conclusion

This episode of The Jim Acosta Show provides a deep dive into the recent tragic events in Minnesota, highlighting the critical issues of political violence and the detrimental effects of disinformation. Through the perspectives of Attorney General Keith Ellison and journalist Don Lemon, Acosta underscores the necessity of truthful reporting, compassionate leadership, and the strengthening of independent media in preserving democratic values and societal harmony.