Virginia Attorney General Creates Unit to Challenge Trump Administration

Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones established the Federal Accountability Unit on Thursday to challenge actions by the Trump administration that he characterizes as federal overreach. The new legal team is designed to combat federal policies that intimidate states, defy state law, or abuse enforcement power.

Led by Deputy Solicitor General Megan Keenan, the unit consists of four attorneys operating across the Civil Litigation Division and the Office of the Solicitor General. The team will specifically target tariffs, federal workforce cuts, and funding disputes, with a primary focus on the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The unit's broader scope includes litigation regarding health care, immigration, environmental protections, elections, and constitutional rights.

Jones stated the unit will bring lawsuits when necessary and coordinate with other state attorneys general on multistate litigation to protect the Commonwealth's interests. The office intends to use the unit to respond when federal policies threaten Virginia workers and families or when the federal government exceeds its authority.