News Releases

WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN     

Continues to fight Trump’s cost crisis, protect and defend the Commonwealth, and stand up against federal overreach 

RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jay Jones this week called on Congress to restore cuts made to programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as Virginians face a cost crisis, and stood up to a federal effort that will cost taxpayers. The Office of the Attorney General also welcomed law firms from across the Commonwealth and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks for the Legal Food Frenzy’s 20th annual awards ceremony.  

Trump’s Cost Crisis 

Attorney General Jay Jones is fighting hard to protect and restore Virginians’ access to food assistance programs. Following a victory in the lawsuit against restrictive USDA funding conditions, Jones calls on the Senate to restore SNAP via the Farm Bill.  

PRESS RELEASE: Coalition Calls on Senate to Reverse Federal Cuts that Threaten Food Assistance for Millions of Americans 

“Hardworking Virginians are facing a cost crisis, and they are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and housing. Instead of working to bring costs down, Congress is slashing food assistance programs that families rely on. Congress must reverse the detrimental cuts that have been made to SNAP in the upcoming Farm Bill,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “Access to food should not be a partisan issue. This office will keep fighting for Virginia’s most vulnerable.”   

WRIC & WFXR: Attorney General Jay Jones joins coalition urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits amid cuts 

As Congress weighs the future of food assistance, Attorney General Jay Jones has joined a coalition pushing lawmakers to restore Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and reverse cuts. 

Jones and 23 other attorneys general called on the Senate and the leaders of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to restore SNAP funding and benefit levels, while rolling back expanded work requirements and eligibility restrictions included in the House-passed Farm Bill, according to a June 16 press release. 

The coalition warned that administrative hurdles do not create jobs or reduce poverty, emphasizing that no American should go hungry because they cannot afford food. 

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According to the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), SNAP provided critical support to 752,346 Virginians in May 2026 alone, 

The coalition said changes included in President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” — the core of Trump’s domestic policy agenda — have led to a nearly 14% drop in SNAP enrollment in Virginia, with approximately 80,000 Virginians losing food assistance as of mid-2026. 

Fighting Federal Overreach 

Attorney General Jay Jones is urging the courts to block President Donald Trump’s plan for a 250-foot monument that disregards Congressional oversight and wastes taxpayer dollars.  

Virginia Scope: Jones joins states challenging Trump monument project near Arlington National Cemetery 

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is joining a coalition of states urging a federal court to block President Donald Trump’s planned 250-foot “Trump’s Arch” monument near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing the project bypassed required federal review and congressional approval. 

Virginia and the other states filed a friend-of-the-court brief Monday in support of plaintiffs challenging the project in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The coalition argues that federal law requires new commemorative works in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas to go through a process involving congressional authorization, public input and review from federal advisory bodies. 

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The filing argues that allowing the arch to proceed without congressional approval could undermine Washington, D.C.’s role as a place that represents the entire country rather than the interests of a single president or political movement. 

“Congress, independent experts, and the public were pushed aside at Donald Trump’s whim and in service of his inflated ego,” Jones said. 

The coalition also raised concerns about the monument’s location and design, arguing that the structure could overshadow nearby memorials and disrupt views of Arlington National Cemetery and other historic sites. Jones said Virginia is asking the court to uphold protections for federal land and ensure the nation’s monuments remain representative of “history, sacrifice and democratic ideals.” 

Legal Food Frenzy 

The Office of the Attorney General hosted the 20th anniversary Legal Food Frenzy celebration to honor the bipartisan program that raises money and food donations. The program raised nearly $400,000 this year, demonstrating what can happen when a profession comes together in service of others. The Office of the Attorney General also raised $13,244 for food security programs. 

PRESS RELEASE: Virginia Legal Community Celebrates 20 Years of Fighting Hunger Through Legal Food Frenzy 

“For twenty years, Virginia’s legal community has shown what it means to stand up for our neighbors,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “I am so proud that this year the Office of the Attorney General raised over $13,000 towards this noble cause. The Legal Food Frenzy is more than a tradition. It is a reminder that when we work together, we can make real, lasting impact for families across the Commonwealth. I’m honored to celebrate this milestone and grateful to everyone who continues to champion the fight against hunger." 

Virginia State Bar Association Recognition 

Attorney General Jay Jones is proud to spotlight two OAG attorneys who have been recognized by the Virginia State Bar Association. Virginia Assistant State Solicitor General Mikaela Philips has received the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Section 2026 R. Edwin Burnette Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year Award for her incredible dedication to the profession. Senior Assistant Attorney General Molly Newton received the Virginia State Bar Local and Specialty Bar Section 2026 Specialty Bar Leader of the Year Award in honor of her impact.   

Published on: June 18, 2026 

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