The nomination of Paul Ingrassia to lead the Office of Special Counsel is facing significant challenges following the emergence of leaked text messages containing racist remarks. Ingrassia, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, made disturbing comments in a group chat with Republican operatives, as reported by Politico.
In the texts, Ingrassia expressed a troubling sentiment about celebrations of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., suggesting they should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell.” The 30-year-old, currently serving as the White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security, had already come under scrutiny earlier this year due to a separate harassment investigation.
The leaked messages reveal a pattern of derogatory language. Ingrassia used an Italian-American slur for Black individuals and stated that no federal holidays recognizing Black people or their contributions should be permitted. “From Kwanzaa to MLK Jr. Day to Black History Month to Juneteenth… every single one needs to be eviscerated,” he wrote. Other messages included claims that “Blacks behave that way because that’s their natural state” and questioned the principle that “all men are created equal” as stated by the Founding Fathers.
Ingrassia’s attorney, Edward Paltzik, defended his client, disputing the authenticity of the texts. “Even if the texts are authentic, they clearly read as self-deprecating and satirical humor,” he stated in a communication to Politico.
The fallout from these revelations has been swift. Several Republican senators have indicated their intention to vote against Ingrassia’s confirmation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota called on the White House to withdraw the nomination. “He’s not gonna pass,” Thune told reporters on Monday.
Three Republican senators on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee—Rick Scott of Florida, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and James Lankford of Oklahoma—have voiced their opposition to Ingrassia. Losing even a handful of Republican votes could jeopardize his nomination, especially with Democrats united against him. “I’m not supporting him,” Scott remarked, emphasizing the inappropriateness of antisemitic language in contemporary society.
This incident marks the second scandal involving leaked racist messages within the Republican Party in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a group chat from the Young Republican Federation was revealed, showcasing similar racial epithets and offensive jokes regarding the Holocaust. The National Young Republican Federation responded by expressing its shock at the language used, calling it “vile and inexcusable.”
As the Senate prepares to consider Ingrassia’s nomination, the implications of these leaked texts cast a significant shadow over his potential confirmation, raising questions about the standards for appointments within the federal government.