A storm is brewing in Washington as Paul Ingrassia, a 30-year-old lawyer and close Trump ally, faces intense criticism over leaked messages filled with racist remarks.
Recently nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) the agency that safeguards federal whistleblowers Ingrassia is now at the center of a major political controversy.
With Senate hearings set for October 23, 2025, several Republicans are distancing themselves, leaving his confirmation hanging by a thread.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Ingrassia, 30, is Trump’s nominee to head the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
- Leaked group chat messages show him making racist and offensive comments.
- Several Republican senators have withdrawn support ahead of the confirmation hearing.
- Ingrassia denies all allegations, calling them political attacks.
- The controversy could damage Trump’s broader political strategy.
The Rise Of Paul Ingrassia
Paul Ingrassia, a Cornell Law graduate from New York, gained attention for his strong pro-Trump views.
He wrote political pieces, hosted podcasts, and even worked briefly with Andrew Tate’s legal team.
By early 2025, he was serving as White House liaison for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), connecting with high-level officials.
His X account, which has over 57,000 followers, is filled with “America First” posts and harsh takes on “woke culture.”
Trump reportedly admired his energy and nominated him in May to lead the OSC, an independent agency that protects whistleblowers, fights discrimination, and promotes fair federal hiring.
Leaked Messages Spark Controversy
The scandal began on October 20, when Politico released screenshots from a 2024 Republican group chat involving Ingrassia.
Verified by multiple sources, the messages included racist comments and disturbing jokes.
In one post, he called Martin Luther King Jr. Day “the 1960s George Floyd” and said it should be sent to “the seventh circle of hell.”
He also used an Italian slur for Black people and mocked Black History Month, Juneteenth, and Kwanzaa.
When another member joked he belonged in “Hitler Youth,” Ingrassia replied, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it.”
He also targeted other groups, saying “Never trust a chinaman or Indian. NEVER.” In another message, he wrote that Black communities “act like victims because that’s their natural state.”
One participant in the chat later said they leaked the texts out of frustration, wanting “experienced people who are taken seriously” in government positions.
S***l Harassment Claims Add Pressure
This isn’t the first controversy surrounding Ingrassia. Earlier this month, a DHS internal probe looked into claims that he forced a female colleague to share his hotel suite during a Florida trip.
The woman later withdrew her complaint, citing fear of retaliation.
Ingrassia dismissed the allegations as “false and politically motivated,” while his lawyer argued the leaked messages were “satirical humor” that should not be taken literally.
However, his links to far-right figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate have further fueled criticism.
He once called Fuentes’ event “awful” and described the Israel-Hamas war as a “psyop.”
Political Fallout
Mentions of “Paul Ingrassia” on X have jumped tenfold since the leaks surfaced. Around 80% of the discussion online is negative, led by Democrats calling him a “Nazi in whistleblower clothing.”
A viral post with over 26,000 likes highlighted his racist remarks toward multiple groups.
On the other side, about 20% of posts come from staunch Trump supporters defending him as a victim of “fake news.”
Some even claim the leaks are part of a coordinated smear campaign.
But even Republican leaders are now stepping back.
| Senator | Stance on Ingrassia Nomination |
|---|---|
| John Thune (R-SD) | “Not gonna pass,” hopes for withdrawal |
| Rick Scott (R-FL) | Plans to vote against |
| Ron Johnson (R-WI) | Urges nominee to withdraw |
| James Lankford (R-OK) | Calls for withdrawal |
| Rand Paul (R-KY) | Defers to the White House, hearing still on |
With hearings just days away, the outcome looks grim. The Office of Special Counsel is meant to defend employees from discrimination and retaliation the same behavior Ingrassia is accused of supporting.
If confirmed, critics warn it could discourage whistleblowers, especially minorities and women.
For Trump, this could hurt his “drain the swamp” image and alienate moderate voters ahead of midterms.
As one X user wrote, “How to lose the midterms, one group chat at a time.”
What’s Next For Trump’s Team?
Ingrassia’s story shows how personal behavior can quickly destroy political opportunities.
Whether Trump stands by him or moves on, this controversy underscores a bigger issue how internal loyalty sometimes outweighs public accountability.
With the Senate hearing approaching, all eyes are on whether Trump will fight to defend his pick or let him go.
Either way, this case highlights a deep divide inside Washington and how fast one scandal can reshape the political landscape.
