In a striking political development, President Donald Trump has endorsed Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares while vehemently urging Democrat candidate Jay Jones to abandon his campaign due to inflammatory past statements, as Breitbart reports.

This prominent endorsement and call for withdrawal arise from resurfaced text messages attributed to Jones, sparking intense criticism and raising serious concerns about his appropriateness for a pivotal legal role in Virginia.

The controversy erupted when text messages, allegedly sent by Jones in 2022 to Carrie Coyner, a political contact, came to light, revealing that he had contemplated a violent hypothetical situation during a private exchange.

Trump denounces Jones' remarks

In the messages, Jones is reported to have mulled over a choice between targeting "two dictators" or former Virginia House speaker Todd Gilbert, a well-known Republican figure in state politics.

Adding fuel to the fire, the texts also supposedly included references to the hypothetical tragedy involving Gilbert's children, prompting widespread outrage among political leaders and observers alike.

Trump swiftly reacted with a powerful condemnation, asserting that such remarks are utterly unacceptable for anyone aspiring to hold a position of significant legal responsibility within the commonwealth.

Exploring the controversy

Trump specifically branded the comments as "sick and demented," highlighting the troubling nature of jesting about violence directed at a public official and their family members.

He stated in no uncertain terms, "It has just come out that the Radical Left Lunatic, Jay Jones, … made SICK and DEMENTED jokes, if they were jokes at all, which were not funny."

Trump further suggested that even individuals within Jones's own political party find the situation indefensible, remarking, "Even Democrats are saying it is 'RESIGNATION FROM CAMPAIGN' TERRITORY."

Jones expresses regret

Facing a barrage of criticism, Jones spoke out during an interview with ABC 8News, where he attempted to address the growing backlash by expressing sincere remorse for his earlier words.

He conveyed his apology, stating, "I'm so deeply, deeply, sorry," in an effort to acknowledge the hurt and concern his statements may have caused to many across the state.

Despite this public expression of regret, Trump remained resolute in his position, declaring, "Democrat Jay Jones should drop out of the Race, IMMEDIATELY," signaling no leniency on the matter.

Miyares raises suitability concerns

Jason Miyares, the current attorney general who received Trump's endorsement, also voiced strong disapproval, arguing that Jones's past comments demonstrate a profound lack of judgment unbecoming of a candidate for such an office.

Miyares stressed the importance of maintaining ethical conduct, explaining, "The Attorney General is Virginia's Chief Law Enforcement Officer… That authority must always be exercised with neutrality, integrity, and character," a standard he believes Jones has failed to meet.

He went on to critique Jones sharply, saying, "…it's clear Jay Jones has shown he's reckless, biased, and willing to trade away his integrity, disqualifying himself from ever serving as Attorney General." Miyares also touched on the emotional toll of crime, noting, "There is no sound more haunting than the cries of a parent who has lost a child." He reframed the election's focus, adding, "Prior to this week, this race was about competing views on public safety… Now it’s about basic fitness for public office."