CNN commentator Van Jones spoke on behalf of millions of Americans last night as he acknowledged the damage and fear that a second Donald Trump presidency would bring. Jones reflected on the election results on the air early Wednesday morning, becoming audibly silent as he spoke.

“I'm thinking about the non-elite people who are feeling bad tonight,” Jones said. “There are African-American women who know a little bit about being demeaned. They know their economic dreams will be shattered. You've been trying to dream a big dream for the past few months. Tonight they trade a lot of hope for a lot of damage.”

He added that black women had hoped to see themselves reflected in their leader for the first time. “They were hoping that maybe this time one of them could be considered worthy,” Jones said. “And once again they are faced with rejection and that hurts. They thought they would go out tomorrow morning with their shoulders a little back. Maybe be able to breathe for the first time and belong somewhere.”

Jones also expressed concern about other minorities, many of whom Trump disparaged during his campaign.

“If you're a parent of a transgender child, your child's face has been used as a stepping stone to gain power for someone,” he said. “This doesn’t feel good. Tomorrow there will be people giving clothes to the dry cleaners to people who don't have papers. Tomorrow there will be undocumented people brushing your teeth. You’re terrified tonight.”