Donald Trump’s nominee, Paul Ingrassia, to lead a federal anti-corruption watchdog sent text messages admitting he has a “Nazi streak,” according to leaked communications published by Politico that have sparked controversy ahead of his Senate confirmation hearing.
Ingrassia, who is Trump’s pick to lead the Office of Special Counsel, is accused of making racist statements in a group chat with Republican friends, according to the report. The messages include calling for Martin Luther King Jr. 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.
Ingrassia, who is set to appear before the Senate Thursday for a confirmation hearing, also reportedly stated that people should “never trust an Indian” in a message referring to former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
One of the chat’s participants who leaked the messages had done so out of a desire for “government to be staffed with experienced people who are taken seriously,” according to Politico.
Ingrassia’s lawyer said the messages were intended to mock liberals who call Trump supporters Nazis and suggested they were manipulated to show his candidate in the worst possible light.
“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,'” Edward Paltzik said.
His lawyer went on to allege that there were people who wanted to hurt the Trump nominee. “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,” he said. “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.”
The White House and Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.
Ingrassia, if confirmed for the special counsel role, would be tasked with handling whistleblower complaints, discrimination cases and other high-stakes federal matters.
He is already under pressure after it was revealed earlier this month that he had faced a sexual harassment probe while working at DHS. The investigation found no wrongdoing. “Mr. Ingrassia has never harassed any coworkers — female or otherwise, sexually or otherwise — in connection with any employment,” Paltzik said.
In February 2024, the group chat discussed why some Republicans believe that Democrats portray Black people as victims. “Blacks behave that way because that’s their natural state… You can’t change them,” Ingrassia wrote, according to the leaked messages. “Proof: all of Africa is a shithole, and will always be that way,” he added.
In May 2024, Ingrassia’s friend wrote in the group chat: “Paul belongs in the Hitler Youth.” The Trump official replied: “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it,” according to the leaked texts.
In some of the exchanges, participants pushed back against Ingrassia, including one who warned: “Paul you are coming across as a white nationalist which is beneficial to nobody.” Another said: “You’re gunna be in private practice one day this shit will be around forever brother.”
Concerns were raised about Ingrassia in the Senate after he attended a gathering last year hosted by Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier and white nationalist. Fuentes held the impromptu rally after being kicked out of a Turning Point USA conference. Ingrassia called it an “awful decision” by Charlie Kirk’s foundation.
The controversy comes after another Trump loyalist was dragged into scandal last week over allegations he had leaked racist texts about his colleagues. Gavin Wax, a Department of State staffer, found himself at the center of a crisis which reached the highest echelons of the White House, sources said.
He is accused of pressuring another administration official to share text messages with Politico in which members of the New York Young Republican club said “I love Hitler” and referred to Black people as monkeys. A source close to Wax denied that he was the source of the leak, but this was rejected by multiple senior Republicans who said the White House had been aware of his links to the Politico story.
The leaked texts have set off turmoil inside the White House as the administration grapples with questions about vetting processes for political appointees. The Office of Special Counsel plays a critical role in protecting federal whistleblowers and investigating allegations of prohibited personnel practices in government.
Ingrassia’s confirmation hearing Thursday will provide senators an opportunity to question him directly about the leaked messages and his fitness to lead an office tasked with upholding ethical standards in federal employment.
The nomination faces an uncertain path as some senators have expressed concerns about both the leaked texts and Ingrassia’s attendance at the Fuentes gathering. Democrats are expected to press him aggressively on both issues during the confirmation process.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges for the Trump administration in managing personnel selections and responding to damaging leaks from within Republican circles.
