CNN commentator Van Jones gave Donald Trump credit for attending the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and remaining for its awards ceremony, despite the event including journalists who are often critical of him. Jones’s remarks were notable because he paired this praise with strong criticism of Trump’s speech, describing it as “mean and small”.

The article centres on Jones’s view that the president deserved acknowledgement for appearing at the dinner, an event Trump had previously avoided during much of his political career. It also highlights the continuing tension between Trump and much of the press, with Jones arguing that the tone of Trump’s address undermined the goodwill created by his attendance.