CNN commentator Van Jones is weighing in on President Donald Trump’s overnight tweets about the ongoing protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
During an appearance on the network, Jones described the president’s tweets as “inappropriate” and “irresponsible” as he offered an explanation for his opinion.
“I think it was highly inappropriate for the president to say that for a number of reasons,” Jones said, adding, “One: That’s not the standard of the law. You use deadly force to protect life. You don’t use deadly force to protect property. And so, it’s just a misstatement of the law.”
Jones went on to stress how imperative it is for Trump to strike the right “balance” in his call for public safety and order.
“I think it’s also just an irresponsible statement because this really is a moment where striking the right balance,” he said. Jones went on to condemn the lobbying of “pro-crime,” later adding, “There is a balance that has to be struck.”
Jones also believes the president should “reconsider his course” in addressing the situation because “this is not over.”
See Jones’ remarks below:
“The President shouldn’t condone any lawlessness from law enforcement because that’s how we got here,” @VanJones68 says, addressing Trump’s tweets on Minnesota protests, one of which Twitter affixed a warning label to. https://t.co/alBMlJhpVx pic.twitter.com/c1Ep42SPqh
— CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish (@CNNThisMorning) May 29, 2020
Jones’ remarks follow Trump’s overnight tweets calling for order in Minneapolis as protest escalated in various parts of the city.
Amid the unrest, buildings were torched and stores were looted. The Minneapolis Police Department’s third precinct was also set on fire Thursday night.
Trump criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) as he described him as “weak” while demanding that he control the situation. The president was also flagged by Twitter for a follow-up tweet where he appeared to glorify violence.
In addition to the protests in Minneapolis, heightened protests also erupted in New York City, Memphis, Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Seven people were also shot at protests in Louisville, Kentucky over the police shooting of Breonna Taylor.
As of Friday, no arrests of officers have been made in connection with the death of Floyd.
