WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Paul Ingrassia, White House Liaison to the Justice Department, left, announces the release of brothers Andrew and Matthew Valentin outside of the DC Central Detention Facility on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump issued pardons to over 1500 people who were charged with crimes related to the event. (Photo by Pete Kiehart for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The nomination of Paul Ingrassia, chosen by former President Donald Trump to lead the Office of Special Counsel, is facing significant challenges following the emergence of racist text messages. Leaked messages, reported by Politico, reveal Ingrassia making derogatory comments regarding Black individuals, raising concerns among Republican senators about his suitability for the position.
In a group chat with Republican operatives, Ingrassia allegedly claimed to have a “Nazi streak” and suggested that celebrations of Martin Luther King Jr. should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell.” These revelations have intensified scrutiny on the 30-year-old, who currently serves as the White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. Earlier this year, he was already under investigation for harassment.
The leaked texts reportedly contain an Italian-American slur for Black people, with Ingrassia stating that no federal holidays recognizing Black individuals or traditions should be permitted. “From kwanza to MLK Jr. Day to Black History Month to Juneteenth…every single one needs to be eviscerated,” he wrote. In other messages, he expressed controversial views, asserting that “Blacks behave that way because that’s their natural state” and that “the founding fathers were wrong that all men are created equal.”
Ingrassia’s attorney, Edward Paltzik, has challenged the authenticity of the messages, stating that even if genuine, they reflect “self-deprecating and satirical humor.”
Republican Senators Withdraw Support
The fallout from these revelations has been immediate, with multiple Republican senators indicating their intention to vote against Ingrassia’s confirmation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota urged the White House to withdraw the nomination, stating, “He’s not gonna pass,” when speaking to reporters on Monday.
At least three members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee — Rick Scott of Florida, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and James Lankford of Oklahoma — have made it clear they will oppose Ingrassia. With a united Democratic front against him, even a handful of Republican votes against the nominee could effectively end his chances for confirmation.
“I’m not supporting him,” Scott remarked, expressing disbelief over Ingrassia’s comments. “I can’t imagine how anybody can be antisemitic in this country. It’s wrong.”
Recent Trends in GOP Scandals
This controversy marks the second incident involving leaked racist texts within the Republican Party in recent weeks. Earlier this month, messages from a Young Republicans group chat were disclosed, which also included racial slurs and jokes about the Holocaust. The National Young Republican Federation condemned the language used in those texts, calling it “vile and inexcusable.”
As the political landscape shifts and scrutiny intensifies, the future of Paul Ingrassia’s nomination remains uncertain. With key figures in the GOP distancing themselves, the implications of these leaked messages could resonate beyond Ingrassia, reflecting broader issues within the party regarding tolerance and inclusivity.
