The Trump administration’s nominee to head the Office of Special Counsel withdrew his nomination on Tuesday after he was revealed to have sent racially offensive text messages.
Paul Ingrassia, 30, who is currently serving as the White House liaison to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, described himself as having a “Nazi streak” in 2024 chat group messages first reported by Politico.
“Paul belongs in the Hitler Youth with Ubergruppenfuhrer Steve Bannon,” one participant in the text chain wrote. Ingrassia replied, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it.”
At least one participant in the chat reportedly did not view the comments as a joke.
Ingrassia also used the Italian racial slur for black people, moulignon, to say that holidays focused on African-Africans should be “eviscerated.”
“Never trust a Chinaman or an Indian,” he wrote in another message.
At least four Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), indicated on Monday that Ingrassia had lost their support.
“I’m not supporting him,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told Politico. “I can’t imagine how anybody can be antisemitic in this country. It’s wrong.”
Ingrassia cited the loss of Republican support in his decision to drop out.
“I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs 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.”
