Donald Trump launched a personal attack on Van Jones, a Black Democratic political commentator and frequent guest on CNN. The former president’s comments came in response to a report that Jones had recently praised the economic vision of Vice President Kamala Harris, a move that apparently struck a nerve with Trump.
Despite being advised in recent days to steer clear of personal attacks, Trump couldn’t resist taking aim at Jones. He accused the commentator of being ungrateful for the role Trump played in pushing through criminal justice reform, a cause Jones had long championed.
“Lightweight political commentator Van Jones begged me, while in the Oval Office and with tears flowing from his eyes, to help get Criminal Justice Reform approved by the United States Senate,” Trump said in a statement on Sunday. “I got it done, with Conservative help, and this lowlife, Jones, never once called to thank me, or the others that helped, for what we had done.”
Trump didn’t stop there. He went on to boast about his contributions to the Black community, claiming that he had done more for Black Americans than any president in history, aside from perhaps Abraham Lincoln.
“Along with Opportunity Zones, the long-term funding of HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, and much more, I’ve done more for our black population than anyone other than, perhaps, Abraham Lincoln!!! Sorry, but that’s the way it is!!!” Trump declared.
Trump’s remarks highlight his ongoing desire to position himself as a champion for Black Americans, despite criticism from many in the community and accusations that his policies have often harmed minority groups. By attacking Jones, Trump not only sought to discredit a prominent critic but also to remind his base of the accomplishments he claims to have achieved during his presidency.
The spat with Jones is just the latest example of Trump’s tendency to respond to perceived slights with sharp, personal attacks—a strategy that has both energized his supporters and alienated his detractors. As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen whether this approach will help or hinder his efforts to return to the White House.