Vance points to the leaked texts Americans really should care about: 'I refuse to join the pearl clutching'



Vice President JD Vance emphasized the Democrats' hypocrisy in feigning outrage over leaked group-chat texts while failing to condemn their own candidate who said far worse.

On Tuesday, Politico published a series of private messages between young Republican operatives that contained distasteful language and jokes. Although many Republican officials have condemned the profanities used in the leaked messages, Vance pointed out that they've buried the lede.

'I refuse to join the pearl clutching when powerful people call for political violence.'

Jay Jones, a Democrat running for attorney general in Virginia, remains embroiled in his own scandal after leaked texts showed he fantasized about giving his Republican adversary "two bullets to the head."

"Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy," Jones said in another text after fantasizing about the deaths of the Republican's children.

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Photo by ADAM GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

"This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia," Vance said of Jones' texts. "I refuse to join the pearl clutching when powerful people call for political violence."

Several prominent Democrats jumped at the opportunity to condemn the leaked texts exchanged by young Republicans without condemning the violent rhetoric espoused by their own candidate.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the college students' texts "sickening" and "vile," saying, "This is the kind of garbage that the worst kind of people say when they think nobody is watching." At the same time, Schumer has not made a single comment about Jones, who, unlike the young GOP activists, is running for public office.

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Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia took it even farther. Even after Jones' texts were leaked, Kaine said he's "still supporting" the candidate.

"He has apologized," Kaine said. "I wish other people in public life would sincerely apologize for stuff. ... I still am a supporter."

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Here’s What’s In Major Defense Bill The Senate Just Passed During Shutdown

The Senate approved its annual defense policy bill Thursday, ending weeks of gridlock over the massive $879 billion package and marking a rare move in approving major legislation during a government shutdown. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes $879 billion in funding for the U.S. military and directs national defense strategy, passed in […]

Report: Major CBS, ABC, PBS Shows Fail To Mention Jay Jones Scandal Once

Over the course of the five days after the controversy broke, major CBS, ABC, and PBS broadcast shows refused to discuss Democrat Jay Jones’ violent text messages in which he fantasized about assassinating a political opponent, a new analysis revealed. NBC alone dedicated a mere 63 seconds to the Virginia attorney general candidates’ texts, Media […]

Democrat Jay Jones cancels fundraiser amid growing backlash over violent texts about GOP rival and his kids



Virginia attorney general nominee Jay Jones (D) continues to face a public relations crisis as calls grow for him to end his campaign following leaked text messages in which he wished death upon a Republican lawmaker and his children.

Jones had scheduled a fundraiser for Thursday, but his campaign abruptly canceled the event, according to Axios. The fundraiser was reportedly set to be held at novelist David Baldacci's home that evening.

'With hundreds of thousands of Virginians already having voted, it's up to Virginians to decide.'

The news outlet noted that Jones has not held a public event since Friday, the same day that the National Review shared a text message conversation he had with Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner in 2022. In the exchange, Jones presented a hypothetical scenario in which he would shoot then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert twice if he only had "two bullets" and had to choose between shooting "Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot."

Jones also accused Gilbert and his wife of "breeding little fascists," wishing harm on their children in hopes that the "pain" would motivate Gilbert to change his policies.

Jones did not deny sending the text messages, but he did issue an apology.

His texts immediately prompted Republican lawmakers to call for him to withdraw from the race for state attorney general.

RELATED: Democrats stand by their man despite vicious texts wishing death on GOP rival and his kids

Democratic Nominee for attorney general Jay Jones, Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, and Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor Ghazala Hashmi. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

While some of Jones' fellow Democrats condemned the comments in his text messages, none of them stated he should end his campaign.

"After learning of these comments earlier today, I spoke frankly with Jay about my disgust with what he had said and texted," Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger stated. "I made clear to Jay that he must fully take responsibility for his words. What I have also made clear is that as a candidate — and the next governor of our commonwealth, I will always condemn violent language in our politics."

While Jones' Thursday fundraising event seems to be canceled, Spanberger's website lists several upcoming events — including canvassing, community virtual chats, and message training — organized by the campaigns of Spanberger, Jones, and lieutenant governor candidate Ghazala Hashmi (D).

RELATED: Virginia AG candidate implodes after 'two bullets' text scandal

Jay Jones. Trevor Metcalfe/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

It is unclear whether Spanberger or Hashmi had planned to attend the Thursday evening fundraiser. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) was scheduled to be there, according to Axios.

When asked whether he had any plans to call on Jones to withdraw from the race, Kaine previously told Blaze News, "There is nothing that can justify these indefensible words, and they are contrary to all I've known about Jay Jones for decades. With hundreds of thousands of Virginians already having voted, it's up to Virginians to decide."

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Every Senate Democrat Stands By Jay Jones After He Fantasized About Assassinating Republican

In response to a Federalist inquiry, not a single Democrat U.S. Senator called for the Virginia Democrat attorney general candidate Jay Jones to drop out of the race in light of his text messages fantasizing about assassinating Republican Todd Gilbert. “Put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets […]

Democrats stand by their man despite vicious texts wishing death on GOP rival and his kids



Democratic politicians are in lockstep in refusing to call on Virginia attorney general nominee Jay Jones to end his race despite the release of disturbing text messages advocating for violence against a Republican lawmaker and his children.

In the leaked text exchange with Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner from August 2022, Jones presented a hypothetical scenario in which he had two bullets and had to choose between shooting then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, Adolf Hitler, and Pol Pot, the National Review reported on Friday. In this scenario, Jones declared he would shoot Gilbert twice.

Jones stated that, in the event his colleagues across the aisle died first, he would "go to their funerals to piss on their graves." He also said that Gilbert and his wife should have to watch their children die, which he justified by claiming the couple was "breeding little fascists."

'I think it's a test for Virginia.'

Coyner responded by asking Jones to "please stop," stating that "it really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them."

Jones did not deny writing the messages but issued an apology for his comments.

"Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry," he stated in part. "I have reached out to Speaker Gilbert to apologize directly to him, his wife Jennifer, and their children."

RELATED: Democrat's vile texts wish death on GOP lawmaker — even MSNBC host demands AG nominee drop out of race

Jay Jones. Photo by Maxine Wallace/The Washington Post via Getty Images

However, the controversy did not end there for the AG nominee. Coyner shared on Monday more alleged disturbing comments by Jones.

She told the Virginia Scope that during a "pretty heated conversation" with Jones about the removal of qualified immunity for police officers, he stated that "maybe if a few [cops] died" they would stop "shooting" and "killing people."

"He firmly believed that if you removed qualified immunity, that police officers would act differently, and I firmly believe that it would not result in good public policy, and it would put police officers and the public's lives at risk if they have to second-guess themselves on a decision they're making in a moment where someone is doing something violent," Coyner said.

Jones denied making those remarks.

"I did not say this," Jones told the Virginia Scope. "I have never believed and do not believe that any harm should come to law enforcement, period. Every single day, police officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and I am deeply grateful for their service and sacrifice. As attorney general, I will work hand in hand with law enforcement to support their work."

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Trevor Metcalfe/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Jones' controversial statements advocating for violence prompted many Republicans to call for him to withdraw from the race. While some of his Democratic colleagues have rebuked his comments, none have insisted he end his campaign.

"I think it's a test for Virginia. It's now no longer right versus left in Virginia. This election's about, in my opinion, right versus wrong," Jones' opponent, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, told Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck on Tuesday.

Miyares addressed Democrats' silence.

"You had a few liberal columnists that have said this is beyond the pale, he shouldn't be in the race. But, to right now, [Democrats are] either dead silent or this sense of, 'We condemn the text messages. It's not acceptable, and Jay Jones should be held accountable for this,'" Miyares continued. "But they don't say what that means, and, by all accounts, they're continuing to campaign."

When asked whether he had any plans to call on Jones to withdraw from the race, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told Blaze News, "There is nothing that can justify these indefensible words, and they are contrary to all I've known about Jay Jones for decades. With hundreds of thousands of Virginians already having voted, it's up to Virginians to decide."

Blaze News asked the same question of Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, the Virginia Democratic Party, state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D), U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Democratic Virginia U.S. Reps. Don Beyer, Jennifer McClellan, Bobby Scott, Suhas Subramanyam, Eugene Vindman, and James Walkinshaw.

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Tim Kaine Calls Jay Jones ‘Two Bullets’ Texts ‘Indefensible,’ Then Defends Him

Sen. Tim Kaine (D., Va.) called Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones’s text messages about putting two bullets into the head of a GOP colleague "indefensible"—before going on to defend Jones, according to a new report.

The post Tim Kaine Calls Jay Jones ‘Two Bullets’ Texts ‘Indefensible,’ Then Defends Him appeared first on .

Trump pressures Pam Bondi over Democrat indictments: 'JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!'



President Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday evening to demand action from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Trump's post comes after attorney Erik Siebert allegedly resigned from his position as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on Friday. However, the reason Siebert vacated his role depends on who is asked.

"He didn’t quit, I fired him!" Trump said on Truth Social, per ABC News. The outlet cited sources who claimed Trump had pressured Siebert to bring charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

'What we don’t need is a Democrat Endorsed "Republican."'

On Saturday, Trump wrote a direct message to Bondi on his Truth Social account saying he had, "reviewed over 30 statements and posts" that were critical of the attorney general.

"Pam: I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, 'same old story as last time, all talk, no action. Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam 'Shifty' Schiff, Leticia [sic]??? They're all guilty as hell, but nothing is going to be done,'" Trump wrote.

The president then said disaster was barely avoided when his team appointed a "Woke RINO" who was "never going to do his job," likely referring to Siebert.

"He even lied to the media and said he quit, and that we had no case. No, I fired him," Trump went on, before putting a new name forward to replace Siebert in Eastern Virginia.

"Lindsey Halligan is a really good lawyer, and likes you, a lot," Trump told Bondi. "We can't delay any longer, it’s killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!"

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— (@)

Halligan is a lawyer currently serving as a special assistant and senior associate staff secretary in the White House. She was previously noted in the executive order titled, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."

The order largely represented a mission to rid American historical and educational landmarks of woke doctrine, such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

"Pam Bondi is doing a GREAT job as Attorney General of the United States. She is very careful, very smart, loves our Country, but needs a tough prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia, like my recommendation, Lindsey Halligan, to get things moving," Trump wrote in a follow-up post on Truth Social.

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— (@)

"What we don’t need is a Democrat Endorsed 'Republican.' I will be nominating Lindsey Halligan to be the United States Attorney in this very important part of our Great Country. She will be Fair, Smart, and will provide, desperately needed, JUSTICE FOR ALL!" the president concluded.

Siebert described his tenure in Eastern Virginia as a "pleasure," but Trump told reporters on Friday that he has not been keen on the attorney since he saw two Democrat Virginia senators had approved his nomination.

"When I saw that he got approved by those two men [Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner], I said, 'Pull it because he can't be any good,'" Trump said, per Fox News.

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America’s rights come from God — not from Tim Kaine’s government



Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) recently delivered a lecture that should alarm every American. During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, he argued that believing rights come from a Creator rather than government is the same belief held by Iran’s theocratic regime.

Kaine claimed that the principles underpinning Iran’s dictatorship — the same regime that persecutes Sunnis, Jews, Christians, and other minorities — are also the principles enshrined in our Declaration of Independence.

In America, rights belong to the individual. In Iran, rights serve the state.

That claim exposes either a profound misunderstanding or a reckless indifference to America’s founding. Rights do not come from government. They never did. They come from the Creator, as the Declaration of Independence proclaims without qualification. Jefferson didn’t hedge. Rights are unalienable — built into every human being.

This foundation stands worlds apart from Iran. Its leaders invoke God but grant rights only through clerical interpretation. Freedom of speech, property, religion, and even life itself depend on obedience to the ruling clerics. Step outside their dictates, and those so-called rights vanish.

This is not a trivial difference. It is the essence of liberty versus tyranny. In America, rights belong to the individual. The government’s role is to secure them, not define them. In Iran, rights serve the state. They empower rulers, not the people.

From Muhammad to Marx

The same confusion applies to Marxist regimes. The Soviet Union’s constitutions promised citizens rights — work, health care, education, freedom of speech — but always with fine print. If you spoke out against the party, those rights evaporated. If you practiced religion openly, you were charged with treason. Property and voting were allowed as long as they were filtered and controlled by the state — and could be revoked at any moment. Rights were conditional, granted through obedience.

Kaine seems to be advocating a similar approach — whether consciously or not. By claiming that natural rights are somehow comparable to sharia law, he ignores the critical distinction between inherent rights and conditional privileges. He dismisses the very principle that made America a beacon of freedom.

Jefferson and the founders understood this clearly. “We are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights,” they wrote. No government, no cleric, no king can revoke them. They exist by virtue of humanity itself. The government exists to protect them, not ration them.

This is not a theological quibble. It is the entire basis of our government. Confuse the source of rights, and tyranny hides behind piety or ideology. The people are disempowered. Clerics, bureaucrats, or politicians become arbiters of what rights citizens may enjoy.

RELATED: If Tim Kaine’s right, America’s founders were wrong

Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Gifts from God, not the state

Kaine’s statement reflects either a profound ignorance of this principle or an ideological bias that favors state power over individual liberty. Either way, Americans must recognize the danger. Understanding the origin of rights is not academic — it is the difference between freedom and submission, between the American experiment and theocratic or totalitarian rule.

Rights are not gifts from the state. They are gifts from God, secured by reason, protected by law, and defended by the people. Every American must understand this. Because when rights come from government instead of the Creator, freedom disappears.

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Trump defends religious faith, says Tim Kaine 'should be ashamed' for equating the Declaration of Independence to Iran



President Donald Trump torched Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia over his recent remarks undermining the importance of faith in our country's founding.

Kaine recently argued that our natural rights come from the government and not from God, directly contradicting the Declaration of Independence. Kaine went on to say that the simple notion that our inalienable rights come from God is "extremely troubling," comparing this core founding principle to Iran's theocratic regime.

'It is the tyrants who are denying our rights.'

"The notion that rights don't come from laws and don't come from the government, but come from the Creator — that's what the Iranian government believes," Kaine said in a committee hearing Wednesday. "It's a theocratic regime that bases its rule on Shia [sic] law, ... and they do it because they believe that they understand what natural rights are from their Creator."

"The statement that our rights do not come from our laws or our governments is extremely troubling," he continued.

RELATED: Tim Kaine shockingly compares the Declaration of Independence to Iran's theocratic regime: 'Extremely troubling'

Trump takes a shot at Democrat Senator Tim Kaine: "The ineffectual senator from Virginia stated that the notion that our rights come from our Creator is extremely troubling. This is advocated by a totalitarian regime. It is tyrants who are denying that our rights come from God." pic.twitter.com/3h3uVy0RvG
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 8, 2025

Kaine's comments were promptly met with outrage on the right, most recently with Trump calling him "ineffectual" and saying he "should be ashamed of himself."

"As everyone in this room understands, it is the tyrants who are denying our rights and the rights that come from God," Trump said during a speech at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on Monday.

"It's this Declaration of Independence that proclaims we're endowed by our Creator with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," Trump added. "The senator from Virginia should be ashamed of himself."

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Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Trump went on to defend the notion of God-given rights in spite of Kaine's comments, saying we will "never apologize for our faith."

"We will never surrender our God-given rights. We will defend our liberties, our values, our sovereignty, and we will defend our freedom," Trump said.

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