Texts obtained by POLITICO reveal troubling remarks from Trump nominee Paul Ingrassia, raising serious concerns ahead of his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
Paul Ingrassia, nominated by former President Donald Trump to head the Office of Special Counsel, is facing intense scrutiny following the release of text messages that contain racist and inflammatory remarks. These messages, obtained by POLITICO, include derogatory comments about Martin Luther King Jr., Asians, and references to “white nationalism.”
Ingrassia is scheduled to appear before the Senate for a confirmation hearing on Thursday. The messages reportedly originated from a group chat involving several Republican operatives and political influencers. In one message dated January 2024, Ingrassia described the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as deserving to be “thrown into the seventh circle of hell.” He further likened King to George Floyd, stating, “MLK Jr. was the 1960s George Floyd and his ‘holiday’ should be ended and tossed into the seventh circle of hell where it belongs.”
In response to Ingrassia’s comments, one participant in the chat expressed shock, saying, “Jesus Christ.” Ingrassia also used an Italian racial slur targeting Black individuals in a separate message, stating, “No moulignon holidays … From kwanza [sic] to mlk jr day to black history month to Juneteenth. Every single one needs to be eviscerated.”
POLITICO spoke with two participants from the chat who requested anonymity due to concerns about personal and professional repercussions. One participant shared the full text chain with POLITICO, which confirmed that the phone number associated with the messages belongs to Ingrassia. This individual stated they came forward because they believe the government should be staffed by experienced professionals who are taken seriously. The second participant, who has since deleted the chat, could not recall specific details but confirmed the conversations took place.
Ingrassia’s attorney, Edward Andrew Paltzik, suggested that the messages might have been intended as satire aimed at mocking liberals, although he did not confirm their authenticity. “Looks like these texts could be manipulated or are being provided with material context omitted,” he stated. “However, even if the texts are authentic, they clearly read as self-deprecating and satirical humor making fun of the fact that liberals routinely call MAGA supporters ‘Nazis.’” Paltzik also defended Ingrassia’s reputation, asserting that he has strong support from the Jewish community.
In one of the messages, Ingrassia reportedly admitted, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it.” A participant in the chat noted that this comment was not perceived as a joke, and three members of the group challenged Ingrassia during the conversation. The emergence of these messages complicates Ingrassia’s nomination to lead the Office of Special Counsel, which is tasked with investigating federal whistleblower complaints, discrimination claims, and other sensitive issues.
In July, Republican senators postponed Ingrassia’s nomination hearing, with one senator citing concerns over “some statements about antisemitism.” The messages also included other racist comments, such as Ingrassia’s remark about former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy: “Never trust a chinaman or Indian,” followed by “NEVER.”
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus responded to these comments, questioning what it would take for Republican leaders to address the anti-Asian racism and bigotry within their party. In a post on X, they highlighted Ingrassia’s statement, saying, “From a Trump nominee: ‘Never trust a chinaman or Indian. NEVER.’”
During a May 2024 exchange, Ingrassia defended his comments about being perceived as a “white nationalist.” He suggested that a Georgia operative should “read a book (if she’s able to) on George Washington and America’s founding.” A participant warned him that his remarks could have lasting consequences, stating, “You’re gunna be in private practice one day this shit will be around forever brother.”
Ingrassia shared an image in the chat featuring several Founding Fathers, including George Washington, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton, stating, “We should celebrate white men and western civilization and I will never back down from that.” This led to further criticism from participants who expressed concern over his tone, with one remarking that he sounded “like a scumbag.” Ingrassia allegedly responded, “Nah it’s fine … Don’t be a boomer … I don’t mind being a scumbag from time to time.”
One participant, a longtime acquaintance of Ingrassia from Republican political circles, noted that Ingrassia’s personality had changed over the years, describing him as an “extreme ego-driven” loyalist of Trump. “He was too young and too inexperienced to deal with the fame,” the participant said. “It was like giving an 18-year-old $10 million and saying, ‘Have at it, kid.’”
Following the May 2024 conversation, the group chat eventually dissolved, as members grew weary of Ingrassia’s rhetoric.
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