Trump Demands Virginia Democrat Jay Jones Quit After He Jokes About Assassinating Former House Speaker

The controversy surrounding Virginia Democrat Jay Jones erupted after text messages from 2022 surfaced, in which he made violent remarks about then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert.

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These messages included jokes about shooting Gilbert and his family, which have been widely condemned across the political spectrum.

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Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism, demanding Jones withdraw from the attorney general race and endorsing the Republican incumbent, Jason Miyares.

Trump's statements have brought national attention to the issue, aligning him with other Republican leaders like Vice President JD Vance and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who have also called for Jones's resignation.

Jay Jones, who was no longer in office when the texts were sent, has publicly apologized for his remarks, expressing regret and taking full responsibility.

Despite the backlash, Jones has refused to withdraw from the race, maintaining support from local Democratic committees who have praised his accountability.

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The texts, which were first published by the National Review, have intensified scrutiny on Jones as he challenges incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares.

The incident has sparked a political firestorm, with Miyares' campaign using the texts in ads to question Jones's judgment.

The leaked text messages have not only affected Jones's campaign but have also intensified partisan tensions in Virginia.

“Updated on: October 6, 2025 / 3:08 PM EDT/ CBS News Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general of Virginia, faced condemnation from Republicans and Democrats on Friday after text messages from 2022 resurfaced in which he said he would "piss on graves" of GOP opponents and mused about hypothetically shooting then-Republican Speaker of the House of Delegates Todd Gilbert”

CBS News

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, have labeled the messages as disqualifying and disturbing.

The controversy has been used by Republicans to criticize the Democratic Party, with some leaders suggesting that Jones's remarks are symptomatic of broader issues within the party.

Despite the controversy, Jones continues to receive support from some local Democratic committees, who argue that he has shown accountability by apologizing and reaching out to the Gilbert family.

The incident has highlighted the role of media in shaping public perception.

The National Review's publication of the texts was pivotal in bringing the issue to light.

Newsweek

Various media outlets have interpreted the story through different lenses.

Some sources focus on the political ramifications and the impact on the upcoming election.

Others emphasize the personal accountability and apology issued by Jones.

This divergence in media narratives reflects broader political divides.

It also shows the strategic use of media by political actors to influence public opinion.