CNN’s Van Jones: ‘You Really Do Have to Give President Trump Credit’ for Attending WH Correspondents’ Dinner

CNN’s Van Jones praised President Donald Trump for attending Friday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Speaking during the network’s coverage of the dinner, Jones lauded for subjecting himself to potential criticism from the speakers taking the podium. CNN anchor John Berman threw to Jones by noting that journalists will be receiving awards prior to Trump’s speech — which was not how the evening was supposed to proceed back on April 25 when it was originally scheduled.

“The president was going to speak first, then the awards, so he could have left, in theory, if he wanted to,” Berman said. “This time, he’s going to have to sit through and watch awards being given to reporters who report on him maybe in ways he doesn’t like. One wonders how he might feel about that.”

Jones made clear he believes Trump deserves kudos.

“You really do have to give President Trump credit tonight,” Jones said. “I mean, we were saying he was going to basically do his thing and run away. He’s not running away. He’s going to be there. And maybe someone will have the courage to speak up [against him]. Maybe they won’t. But he’s putting himself in harm’s way in that regard.”

Hundreds of former journalists and a number of press freedom groups signed on to a letter imploring the journalists in the room to denounce the president for attacking the profession — particularly in light of the administration’s recent failed efforts to subpoena New York Times correspondents.

“Our message to the White House Correspondents’ Association is now more urgent: forcefully stand up for freedom of the press in front of the President, publicly defend the journalists he attacks, and vow to resist his administration’s concerted effort to undermine the First Amendment,” the letter said (via the AP).

Watch above, via CNN.

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