Attorney General Jay Jones announced on Apr. 4 a summary of actions taken over the past week to address federal executive orders, protect voting rights, and promote public safety in Virginia.
The update highlights ongoing legal challenges to federal policies and local initiatives intended to safeguard civil rights and community well-being. The Attorney General’s office provides legal counsel to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights, according to the official website.
Jones is leading a multistate effort against a federal executive order affecting elections. He said the order undermines state authority over election administration. “The President continues to overreach, to overstep, to ignore the law, to ignore commonly held tradition and custom in service of a vision that does not align with what we do here in Virginia and in this country as it relates to the rule of law.” Jones also addressed restrictions on mail-in voting: “Mail-in voting is very secure, and in Virginia we run our own elections. The federal government is not responsible for running our elections. We are good at it. We have proper procedures and guardrails in place to make sure they’re safe and secure.”
In response to misleading mailers targeting Black and senior voters—funded by Peter Thiel—Jones condemned efforts he described as deceptive: “These ads deliberately exploit the history of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement to mislead Black voters and suppress participation. That is not just offensive. It is a modern playbook for voter suppression.” He further stated: “Virginians deserve facts, not fear. I will continue to stand up for civil rights, defend the integrity of our elections, and call out any effort to deceive voters and undermine our democracy.”
On birthright citizenship issues before the Supreme Court (Trump v. Barbara), Jones joined an amicus brief opposing attempts by executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States: “The President’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship violates our Constitution, federal statutes, and the rule that has governed our Nation since we eradicated slavery [over] 150 years ago.”
Jones also participated in community outreach events like Richmond’s Hoodship Unity Basketball Game aimed at preventing gun violence among youth: ”For far too long, we’ve focused on back end solutions… if we can get to folks when they’re young… I think that will really have a meaningful impact on… getting them away from picking up guns as opposed to resorting conversation or other forms of deescalation.” In addition, following passage of new vape regulations backed by his office he said: “Vape shops have been allowed to get away with selling unregulated products… with documented negative health impacts not only adults but minors without penalty.”
The Attorney General supports civil rights enforcement programs—including those addressing human trafficking—and offers victim assistance services throughout Virginia according to information provided by his office. Consumer protection resources such as identity theft prevention are also available as noted by official sources.
Miyares holds position as 48th Attorney General serving all Virginians according to the official website.
