On his first day in office, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones announced a series of initiatives aimed at public safety, cost reduction, and the protection of fundamental rights. Jones outlined his priorities in Richmond, emphasizing that his administration would use every lawful tool to serve Virginians.
“With my actions today, I have made it clear that my mission as Virginia’s 49th Attorney General will be to protect Virginians, defend our Constitution, and ensure that the powers of this office are used to serve the public, not partisan agendas,” said Attorney General Jones. “This office belongs to the people of Virginia. We will use every lawful tool to ensure justice works for everyone in every corner of the Commonwealth.
“I promised Virginians that I would push back against the Trump administration’s destructive overreach, and today we are delivering on our promise to do exactly that. My office will begin joining and advancing litigation to protect Virginians, including efforts to stop the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has returned billions of dollars to consumers; to challenge the mass termination of 10,000 employees at the Department of Health and Human Services; and to prevent the firing of half the Department of Education and the erosion of its mission.
“Additionally, my office is immediately launching a comprehensive 30-day review of all existing litigation to determine which lawsuits we should join or withdraw from. As part of this review, we will also examine any agreements entered into with the Trump administration that surrender Virginians’ rights in order to receive benefits they are already entitled to, restrict access to grant funding, or otherwise limit our freedoms. Following the review, my team will develop and implement a plan to address the issues identified.
There is much work to do, and my office will act with urgency, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Virginia.”
Among his initial actions:
– Issued an opinion supporting constitutional redistricting efforts by Virginia’s General Assembly.
– Withdrew from previous positions related to city council representation in Virginia Beach.
– Announced plans for Virginia’s participation in legal challenges against federal executive orders on elections.
– Joined lawsuits defending consumer protections through agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
– Committed support for lawsuits challenging changes affecting public service loan forgiveness programs.
– Opposed new guidance restricting food assistance eligibility for lawful permanent residents.
– Vowed action against federal interference with offshore wind energy projects affecting ratepayers.
– Directed staff review on immigration enforcement opinions related to ICE detainers.
– Supported court challenges against attempts to end birthright citizenship.
– Pledged legal defense for Medicaid reimbursements tied to essential health care services provided by Planned Parenthood.
Jones also directed reviews concerning higher education governance and began a national search for legal counsel at state institutions.
The Office of the Attorney General provides legal counsel and representation for state entities while upholding public safety and constitutional rights across Virginia. It offers consumer protection services as well as civil rights support programs addressing issues such as human trafficking and fraud (official website). The office serves communities throughout Virginia (official website).
Jones concluded by reiterating his commitment: “There is much work to do, and my office will act with urgency, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Virginia.”
