Trump slams Virginia’s “weak” Democratic nominee Abigail Spanberger for refusing to disavow AG candidate Jay Jones after resurfaced violent texts spark outrage
The political storm in Virginia just intensified, and once again, Donald Trump is at the center of it. The former president lashed out at Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger after she declined to distance herself from Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, whose disturbing 2022 text messages recently resurfaced online. In the messages, Jones allegedly fantasized about killing Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family — a revelation that has rocked the state’s political landscape and triggered fierce reactions on both sides.
Trump, never one to hold back, issued a scathing statement condemning both Jones and Spanberger. He called Jones a “lunatic” and accused Spanberger of being “too weak” to stand up against him. “Any decent person would immediately denounce such disgusting behavior,” Trump said, calling on Jones to “drop out immediately and apologize to the people of Virginia.” His remarks came amid growing outrage as screenshots of Jones’ old texts circulated widely, sparking bipartisan disgust.
Jay Jones, a 35-year-old former state delegate, has not denied sending the messages, which included violent fantasies involving elected officials. His campaign, however, has described the texts as “private jokes taken out of context.” The explanation did little to calm the public, with even some Democrats expressing unease over the tone and content. Political observers say the scandal could derail what was expected to be a competitive attorney general race and may ripple across the entire Democratic ticket heading into the November election.
Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor, has so far remained cautious in her response. Her campaign released a brief statement calling the texts “disturbing” but stopped short of condemning Jones personally. That hesitation drew Trump’s ire, who framed it as proof that Spanberger is “afraid of her own party’s radicals.” In his characteristic fashion, Trump tied the controversy to his broader argument about Democratic leadership being “morally bankrupt” and “soft on extremism.”
The controversy has divided Virginia Democrats. Some party members are urging Jones to suspend his campaign to avoid further damage, while others argue that Trump’s comments are politically motivated attempts to energize conservative voters. However, the timing couldn’t be worse for the state’s Democratic leadership. Polls had shown a tight race between Spanberger and Republican frontrunner Jason Miyares before the scandal broke. Now, analysts say the episode could help Republicans gain momentum — particularly in swing regions around Richmond and the Tidewater area.
For Trump, the episode is another opportunity to reassert influence in a key battleground state. He has long viewed Virginia as a test case for the Republican Party’s resurgence in traditionally blue-leaning areas. His full-throated endorsement of Jason Miyares for re-election as attorney general underscores that strategy. “Miyares is a strong leader who stands up for law and order,” Trump said, contrasting him with what he called the “unhinged chaos” within Virginia’s Democratic ranks.
Political strategists say Trump’s intervention could have a dual effect — rallying his base while forcing Democrats into an uncomfortable defensive posture. For Spanberger, a moderate who has built her brand on pragmatism and independence, the incident complicates her image. Republicans are already framing her as complicit by silence, while progressives are urging her not to “give in” to Trump’s demands. It’s a delicate balancing act in a race that was already shaping up to be one of the nation’s most closely watched contests.
Meanwhile, public reaction continues to grow. Social media has been flooded with calls for accountability, with many Virginians expressing disbelief at the nature of the messages. Conservative commentators have seized on the moment to highlight what they describe as “selective outrage” among Democrats, pointing out how quickly they demand accountability when scandals involve Republicans.
The story’s impact is expected to unfold over the coming weeks, with national attention likely to stay fixed on how Virginia’s Democrats handle the fallout. For Trump, the controversy serves as fresh political ammunition — a chance to paint his opponents as hypocrites ahead of another high-stakes election year.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the resurfaced messages have not only tarnished Jay Jones’ campaign but may also reshape the broader narrative of Virginia politics. And with Trump once again taking aim from the national stage, the fight for the state’s political future is just beginning.
