Black women are trading hope for hurt with Trump win, Van Jones says

CNN political analyst Van Jones expressed that Black women would feel a profound shift from "hope" to "hurt" as former President Donald Trump seemed poised to defeat Vice President Kamala Harris. Early Wednesday morning, as vote counts came in, Jones, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, shared his concerns on CNN. Even before the outcomes of the crucial "blue wall" states were finalized, he underscored the personal impact Trump's potential return could have on Black women who had hoped Harris would represent them.

Jones pushed back against the idea that a Trump win signaled a setback only for the "elite," highlighting the struggles of ordinary Americans who might feel defeated by such an outcome. "I'm thinking about people who are not part of any elite, who are hurting tonight," Jones remarked. He highlighted how African American women, familiar with economic and social setbacks, had dared to "dream a big dream" with Harris's candidacy. "Tonight," he added, "they're trading in a lot of hope for a lot of hurt."

He continued, “They were hoping that maybe this time… one of their own could be seen as worthy. Once again, they are facing rejection. And that hurts... They did everything they knew how, but tomorrow it’ll be harder than it should be for them to hold their heads up.”

Jones expanded his perspective to include other Americans outside the "elite" who might suffer in a Trump presidency. He spoke directly to marginalized communities feeling the effects of a "nightmare" rather than a hopeful future.

"For parents of trans kids, knowing their child’s identity is being politicized to gain power — that doesn’t feel good," Jones said. He highlighted fears within immigrant communities, including workers in industries like dry cleaning and dentistry, who might lack legal status and now face increased insecurity.

Jones concluded by challenging dismissive attitudes toward the "elites," noting, "It’s not the elites who will pay the price. It’s people who woke up this morning with a dream and are going to bed with a nightmare. These people deserve respect and compassion."