A Fox News contributor who appeared on Sean Hannity’s show on Wednesday faced significant backlash for donning a tactical vest at the southern U.S. border with Mexico.

Lawrence Jones III shared multiple images of himself alongside U.S. Border Protection agents, wearing what many criticized as a bulletproof vest during his appearance on Hannity’s program.

The vest, which appeared ill-fitting and lacked any contents in its pouches, was not worn by other legitimate border patrol agents in the vicinity. Critics quickly condemned Jones for sporting the military-style jacket adorned with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection badge, although he later asserted that agents had insisted he wear the tactical vest for safety reasons. Jones and Fox News’ ongoing coverage of the “border crisis” faced scrutiny for attempting to depict the area as a domestic “war zone.”

In a prior image, Jones was seen in a black t-shirt, jeans, and Vans sneakers while standing next to two border agents.

On Thursday morning, Jones spent several hours defending his actions on Twitter as veterans, war correspondents, and other prominent journalists, including Roland Martin, commented on the tactical vest issue. While some critics on social media humorously edited images of Jones with Mexican ponchos and Elmo backpacks, others defended the practice of journalists “playing dress-up” as a widespread issue across all cable news networks. NBC News producer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Mac William Bishop remarked, “I’ve previously criticized journos for playing dress-up in PPE. Last time it was someone who worked for MSNBC. This time it’s someone who works for Fox.

Being a poseur with no respect for journalistic integrity and lacking common sense about how PPE works is a non-partisan flaw.”While Jones received some minimal support from colleagues in the media, he faced significant backlash for contributing to Fox News’ depiction of disorder, violence, and an urgent demand for increased security.

“This is completely absurd,” stated MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff. “I have never worn a bulletproof vest at the border, nor has CBP ever requested it from me—even during a pursuit with Border Patrol to apprehend migrants in the remote Arizona desert at night. Because. The. Border. Is. Not. A. War. Zone.”

A Fox News contributor who appeared on Sean Hannity’s show on Wednesday was widely criticized for donning a tactical vest at the southern U.S. border with Mexico. Screenshot: Lawrence Jones III | Twitter. Journalist Roland Martin offered a less constructive critique of Jones, ridiculing the Fox reporter’s military-style appearance.

“Need a good laugh? Check this out. Lawrence thinks he’s going to a war zone. Is this going to boost your speaking fees, Lawrence? Game recognizes game. #AllAboutTheBenjamins,” Martin tweeted on Thursday morning, to which Jones responded, “border patrol made me wear it.” Martin further remarked, “Easy: You. Who would I trust regarding border issues: you or Republican @HurdOnTheHill, a former CIA operative whose district is affected? You’re just there for show. But go ahead and play TV. Carry on, Lawrence.”

Jones has become well-known at Fox News for his tendency to wear suits and frequently promote provocative and often unfounded conspiracy theories across the network.

Last week, Jones claimed on Fox Business with Stuart Varney that Michelle Obama had called in “favors” to have Empire actor Jussie Smollett’s charges in Cook County dismissed, providing no evidence to support this assertion.

In a live segment on Fox News, the mother of host Lawrence Jones explained her decision to keep her baby when she was a pregnant teenager.The topic of abortion continues to create divisions among individuals in the United States. The ongoing case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization has intensified the national discourse, prompting numerous individuals, both prominent and ordinary, to share their perspectives on the matter. One such individual is the mother of Fox News host Lawrence Jones.

Recently, the political commentator invited his mother to make her debut appearance on-air. During the broadcast of “Lawrence Jones Cross Country,” he expressed his reluctance to share her with the public but felt it was necessary to feature her. He posed a poignant question during the live interview: “What led you to choose to have me?”

A Teen’s Choice for Life

At the age of 16, Lawrence’s mother, Tameria, found herself pregnant. She had been educated about the implications of unprotected sex, yet she faced the situation herself. In that moment, she recognized her obligation.

“It was my responsibility,” Tameria stated. “It wasn’t my mother’s or my grandparents’. I understood that I had to take charge. This decision meant giving up sports, and I embraced motherhood.”

As a young teenager, Tameria excelled in basketball, earning recognition as a star player. However, she lost friends when she chose to prioritize her child over the sport. Despite the challenges ahead, she did not hesitate to make sacrifices for her role as a mother. Tameria acknowledged the difficulties of her journey but has never regretted her choice. During the interview, she shared her source of strength—her faith in God.

“The more I prayed, the more I communicated with God, and the more I was open about my struggles, the more support I received from my community,” Lawrence’s mother reflected.

Ultimately, the Fox News host expressed his gratitude to his mother for her decision to bring him into the world.

“I am truly thankful that you made that choice,” he told her, to which she responded, “I love you, son.”