Trump Criticizes Virginia AG Nominee
On Sunday, President Donald Trump targeted Virginia’s Democratic attorney general nominee, Jay Jones, during a discussion with reporters on Air Force One. His condemnation came after Jones had taken jabs at Trump during a recent campaign debate.
When asked about Jones, Trump responded sharply, saying, “You mean a person who killed his own children and tried to kill someone? An animal who tried to kill someone who shouldn’t be allowed to run for office?” This comment stirred quite a bit of attention, to say the least.
Trump continued, branding Jones as “a third-rate intellect” and noted the unusual nature of someone wishing harm upon their opponent’s children. “I can’t imagine anyone would vote for Jay Jones,” he stated. “You’d think he’s completely discredited. I don’t think he’d even be allowed to do that. Anyone would go to jail for what he said.”
He added that Jones could join a long list of attorneys general known for filing lawsuits but ultimately losing.
In earlier messages revealed this month, Jones had reportedly texted Virginia Congresswoman Carrie Coyner in 2022 about a violent fantasy concerning the then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, comparing Gilbert to historical dictators like Pol Pot and Hitler. The messages included a shocking reference to putting “two bullets” into Gilbert’s head and derogatory comments about his children. Jones later expressed regret, labeling himself “embarrassed” by those texts.
Despite the uproar, many prominent Virginia Democrats, including gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, still supported Jones. Spanberger had endorsed Jones before the controversy erupted and has since chosen not to rescind her support, even continuing to promote his merchandise on her campaign website.
The Republican Governors Association criticized Spanberger for her ongoing endorsement, with Director Colin Crompton stating, “Jay Jones threatened to kill a political opponent and his children, and Abigail Spanberger still fully supports him and is trying to make money off of it.” He raised concerns about her prioritizing partisan politics over combating political violence.
