Van Jones Praises Donald Trump’s Intelligence and Media Influence
Former Obama adviser Van Jones recently praised President-elect Donald Trump, claiming that Trump is smarter than his critics and attributing his political success to his control of a vast media ecosystem. In a conversation with political commentator Chris Cillizza, Jones emphasized that the influence of alternative media has driven Trump’s rise, highlighting his substantial support from non-traditional outlets and influential allies.
According to Newsweek, Van Jones, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, stated that Donald Trump is "smarter" than his critics and credited the rise of right-wing media for his continued success, especially in the 2024 election.
Jones, who currently works as a CNN political commentator, made his remarks in a video posted to Cillizza's YouTube channel on Friday. When asked how Trump figured out the dynamics of modern media, Jones responded, pointing out that Trump had successfully positioned himself as a leader of an alternative media movement, one that was "bigger than the mainstream."
Right-wing media platforms played a significant role in helping Trump defeat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Spencer Kornhaber discussed this rise of alternative media in an article for The Atlantic, published shortly after the election, where he explained how right-wing influencers helped Trump secure a second term.
During the campaign, Trump gave a lengthy interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, a popular podcast with millions of listeners. Rogan, who endorsed Trump on the eve of Election Day, was a key figure in the media ecosystem that supported the president. Kamala Harris did not appear on the Rogan podcast during the election cycle, which critics say hurt her visibility among a broad audience.
Trump's Political Influence and Media Ecosystem
Jones continued by highlighting Trump’s impressive control over U.S. politics, noting that the president-elect had secured the White House, Senate, House, and Supreme Court. His influence, according to Jones, is a sign of his intelligence and political savvy.
The Republican Party's strength in the 2024 election was also evident in the control they gained over both the Senate and the House. The GOP secured a majority in the Senate, with 53 Republicans to 47 Democrats, and took control of the House, with 220 Republicans and 215 Democrats. Trump's popular vote victory also played a significant role in his re-election, with Trump winning 49.9% of the vote, compared to Harris's 48.3%.
The rise of right-wing media, including platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast, played a key role in Trump’s political success, according to Van Jones.
Jones also pointed to Trump’s appointments to the Supreme Court during his first term, where he nominated three conservative justices, which tilted the Court in his favor. He praised Trump’s ability to navigate the political landscape and manipulate media, calling him "the most powerful human on earth and in our lifetime."
The former Obama adviser also cited Trump’s alliance with powerful figures like Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Jones argued that these influential allies helped amplify Trump’s political power.
Trump's Critics and Media Strategy
Jones framed his comments as part of a broader critique of how Trump’s critics fail to understand the president’s appeal. He argued that the media ecosystem surrounding Trump significantly shapes the public’s perception of him, which makes Trump’s critics seem out of touch with ordinary voters. He emphasized that, to the average person, critics of Trump seem "foolish."
Trump has often pointed to his willingness to engage with the media as a strategic advantage. In a recent interview with Time magazine, Trump was asked about Kamala Harris's tactical mistakes during the campaign. He suggested that her refusal to do interviews contributed to doubts about her candidacy. "If she would have gone out and just did interviews... people wouldn’t have had questions about her," Trump said. He compared this to his own openness to media interviews, noting that he had engaged with a wide range of platforms, including his nearly three-hour-long discussion with Rogan.
Van Jones emphasized that Trump's massive media ecosystem and his ability to connect with influential figures have made him an enduring political force.
Jones concluded that Trump’s political strategy, built around his media prowess and key alliances, was a testament to his intelligence. He described Trump as a "phenomenon" and suggested that the media’s failure to acknowledge his success made critics appear disconnected from the public's views.
The influence of non-traditional media and Trump’s media ecosystem was a central theme of Jones’s comments. He argued that Trump’s ability to dominate the media landscape gave him a powerful advantage, far beyond the reach of traditional outlets. Jones also remarked that critics of Trump’s success often misunderstand how deeply Trump connects with his base, a connection he has cultivated through alternative media channels.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Media and Politics
As the 2024 election and its aftermath continue to unfold, Van Jones’s comments reflect a broader discussion about the future of media in politics and the ways in which figures like Trump are reshaping the landscape.