A private group chat among members of the Young Republicans has ignited a bipartisan firestorm after POLITICO obtained and reviewed 2,900 pages of messages. The messages reportedly included racist slurs, homophobic language, and jokes celebrating Adolf Hitler.
The leak prompted swift condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described the chat as “revolting” and “disgusting” on the Senate floor, calling for immediate accountability.
The National Young Republicans’ board of directors demanded that all members involved “must immediately resign” from their state organizations.
However, not all Republican leaders joined in the condemnation. Vice President JD Vance highlighted what he called a “far worse” incident involving Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones, who reportedly texted about harming a former Republican House speaker and his children. Vance criticized what he termed “pearl clutching” over the chat, framing it as unequal scrutiny.
The fallout from the chat was immediate. William Hendrix, Kansas Young Republicans vice chair at the time, is no longer employed at the Kansas Attorney General’s office under Kris Kobach. Bobby Walker, chair of the New York State Young Republicans, will not join New York congressional candidate Peter Oberacker’s campaign as planned.
The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about online behavior and accountability among politically active young Americans, raising questions about the culture within influential political organizations.