Paul Ingrassia, the nominee for White House Office of Special Counsel, has dropped out after racist text messages he allegedly sent were published.
Ingrassia was Donald Trump‘s pick to lead OSC but he became the latest conservative ensnared in a text message scandal involving a group chat of Young Republicans.
The chats released by Politico on Monday set off alarm bells for several top-ranking GOP Senators, who are now saying they oppose his nomination.
Ingrassia, who at one point had his own mother lobbying for him in Washington, announced he was bowing out on Truth Social.
‘I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s HSGAC hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time,’ Ingrassia wrote.
‘I appreciate the overwhelming support that I have received throughout this process and will continue to serve President Trump and this administration to Make America Great Again!’
Ingrassia is accused of racist tirades in a group chat with Republican friends.
Text messages released by Politico showed Ingrassia admitting he has a ‘Nazi streak’, it has been reported.
Controversial White House Office of Special Counsel nominee Paul Ingrassia (pictured) has been withdrawn after racist text messages he allegedly sent were published
The messages include calling for MLK day to be ‘tossed into the seventh circle of hell where it belongs’, adding that there should be ‘no moulignon holidays,’ using an Italian slur for black people.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune asked the White House to withdraw Ingrassia’s nomination, adding, ‘he’s not going to pass.’
Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott told reporters Monday evening that he does ‘not support’ Ingrassia’s nomination.
Ingrassia, who already serves in a non-Senate confirmed role at the Department of Homeland Security was additionally revealed earlier this month to have allegedly sexually harassed a female coworker on a work trip.
The DHS staffer was investigated for sexually harassing a lower-ranking female colleague after he canceled her hotel room so they would be forced to share a room together.
In regard to the sexual harassment allegations, Ingrassia’s lawyer, Edward Andrew Paltzik told the Daily Mail, ‘Mr. Ingrassia has never harassed any coworkers — female or otherwise, sexually or otherwise — in connection with any employment.’
Politico reported that White House liaison for the Department of Homeland Security, Paul Ingrassia faced a probe over a July business trip with other DHS staffers to Orlando, Florida.
Upon arriving at the front desk Ritz-Carlton hotel in Orlando, an unnamed lower-ranking female colleague was informed she did not have a room. Ingrassia then told the staffer she would be staying with him, according to Politico who cited five administration officials familiar with the event.
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.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-SD) speaks to members of the press at the U.S. Capitol on October 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. The government remains shut down after Congress failed to reach a funding deal 20 days ago
Paltzik additionally told Daily Mail the following about Ingrassia’s alleged text messages:
‘In this age of AI, authentication of allegedly leaked messages, which could be outright falsehoods, doctored, or manipulated, or lacking critical context, is extremely difficult. What is certain, though, is that there are individuals who cloak themselves in anonymity while executing their underhanded personal agendas to harm Mr. Ingrassia at all costs.’
‘We do not concede the authenticity of any of these purported messages. Moreover, even if, arguendo, the texts are authentic, they clearly read as self-deprecating and satirical humor making fun of the fact that liberals outlandishly and routinely call MAGA supporters ‘Nazis.’ In reality, Mr. Ingrassia has incredible support from the Jewish community because Jews know that Mr. Ingrassia is the furthest thing from a Nazi,’ Paltzik added.
Ingrassia was originally nominated for the Office of Special Counsel in June. He was set to be voted on with a slew of other nominees at the end of July, when he was pulled from the noticed calendar.
Ingrassia has additionally associated with the likes of far-right media personalities Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes.
