A leaked MAGA chat is revealing that a Trump administration nominee for a whistleblower agency has reportedly used a racist epithet in texts, called for MLK Jr. Day to be "tossed into the seventh circle of hell," and says he has "a Nazi streak," according to a Monday report from Politico.
Paul Ingrassia, who is slated for a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, is President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel. He reportedly made these comments in a group chat with about half a dozen Republican strategists and influencers.
“MLK Jr. was the 1960s George Floyd and his ‘holiday’ should be ended and tossed into the seventh circle of hell where it belongs,” Ingrassia wrote in January 2024, Politico reports.
A month later, he reportedly used an Italian slur for Black people and commented on multiple holidays:
“No moulignon holidays … From kwanza [sic] to mlk jr day to black history month to Juneteenth,” then added: “Every single one needs to be eviscerated.”
Politico talked to two people in the text chain, who declined to share their identities due to fears of retaliation. One of those sources saved the chats and shared them with Politico. The other confirmed they were authentic.
"The person said he came forward because he wants 'the government to be staffed with experienced people who are taken seriously,'" Politico reports.
One unnamed person in the chat said in May 2024, "Paul belongs in the Hitler Youth with Ubergruppenfuhrer Steve Bannon,” Politico reports.
Ingrassia apparently responded and allegedly said:
“I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it,” he said, which prompted multiple people in the group text to push back on the comment.
Ingrassia's attorney, Edward Andrew Paltzik, told Politico that the texts were apparently jokes and also said he could not confirm if the messages were real.
“Looks like these texts could be manipulated or are being provided with material context omitted. However, arguendo, even if 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,’” Paltzik told Politico in a written statement.
“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 said.