Trump Nominee Paul Ingrassia Withdraws Over Controversial Nazi Remarks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Paul Ingrassia, President Trump’s nominee for a federal watchdog role, withdrew his nomination following Republican opposition over reported offensive text messages. Ingrassia described himself as having a “Nazi streak” and criticized Black cultural holidays. The rare GOP resistance highlights growing scrutiny of Trump’s appointments in his second term.
Nomination Withdrawal + Quick Looks
- Paul Ingrassia pulled out after GOP opposition to his nomination.
- Messages revealed he called MLK Day “hell” and made Nazi references.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune called for the nomination’s withdrawal.
- Ingrassia lacked the Republican votes needed for confirmation.
- His lawyer claims texts were satirical or possibly altered.
- Ingrassia previously supported Trump’s 2020 election overturn efforts.
- Trump’s nominations rarely face resistance from Republican-led Senate.
- Ingrassia was nominated to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
Deep Look: Ingrassia Withdraws Amid GOP Backlash Over Offensive Texts
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2025 – President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead a key federal watchdog agency, Paul Ingrassia, has withdrawn from consideration following rare Republican pushback prompted by controversial private text messages. The withdrawal marks an uncommon break in party unity for Senate Republicans, who typically support Trump’s choices.
Ingrassia, a 30-year-old lawyer and former right-wing podcaster, announced on social media Tuesday that he would not attend his scheduled Senate confirmation hearing later this week. He cited a lack of sufficient Republican support as the reason.
“I do not have enough Republican votes at this time,” Ingrassia posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I appreciate the overwhelming support that I have received throughout this process.”
Text Messages Spark Controversy
Ingrassia’s decision came after Politico published private text messages in which he made inflammatory remarks. In one message, he allegedly referred to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday as something that “should be ended and tossed into the seventh circle of hell where it belongs.” He also reportedly called for the elimination of other cultural commemorations such as Juneteenth and Black History Month.
In another message obtained and verified by two individuals involved in the conversation, Ingrassia stated:
“I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time.”
These revelations drew sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans and prompted Senate Majority Leader John Thune — the chamber’s top Republican — to publicly urge the White House to rescind the nomination.
“He’s not going to pass,” Thune said on Monday evening, according to media reports. On Tuesday, his office confirmed that he had called for the nomination to be withdrawn.
Senator Rick Scott of Florida also voiced his opposition to Ingrassia’s confirmation.
Legal Defense and Denial of Intent
Edward Andrew Paltzik, Ingrassia’s attorney, responded to the controversy by suggesting the messages may have been manipulated. He added that even if they were authentic, they were clearly “self-deprecating and satirical humor,” not to be taken seriously.
Still, the public reaction — and the swift erosion of support among Republican lawmakers — forced Ingrassia to step aside.
Trump’s Appointee Track Record Under Scrutiny
Ingrassia had been nominated in May to lead the Office of Special Counsel, a federal agency tasked with protecting whistleblowers and enforcing laws that restrict political activity by federal employees.
He had previously worked in both the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security during Trump’s second administration and had publicly supported efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
His failed nomination is one of only a few instances in which a Trump pick has been derailed by his own party. The Republican-controlled Senate, with a 53-47 majority, has historically approved Trump’s nominees with minimal resistance.
Notable past withdrawals include:
Despite these exceptions, other controversial Trump appointments — including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and FBI Director Kash Patel — were confirmed despite pockets of Republican concern.
Democrats Weigh In
Democratic leaders quickly pounced on the opportunity to condemn the nomination. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Ingrassia’s comments “foul and disqualifying,” arguing they reflected extremist views incompatible with public service.
The Politico report, which triggered the collapse of Ingrassia’s nomination, has also renewed debate about vetting standards for political appointees, especially those with public or digital footprints that include controversial or extremist content.
Fallout and What’s Next
Ingrassia’s withdrawal is a political blow to the Trump administration, which has aggressively moved to reshape federal agencies through loyalist appointments. It also signals a potential turning point in how much leeway Senate Republicans are willing to give the president in his second term.
With this nomination scrapped, the administration will now need to identify a new candidate for the Office of Special Counsel — someone more likely to clear Senate scrutiny and less burdened by a controversial digital history.
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