U.S. Senator JD Vance has faced backlash for his reaction to a Politico report that uncovered offensive language and admiration for Nazis among members of a Young Republicans group chat. Vance dismissed the concerns, comparing the leaked messages to typical college group chats and referencing controversial remarks made by a Democratic attorney general nominee.
The Politico exposé revealed extensive use of racial slurs, violent threats, and Nazi sympathizing within a group of over two dozen young Republican leaders. Prominent figures like Peter Giunta, former chair of the New York State Young Republicans, were quoted making disturbing statements, including references to gas chambers.
In response, Vance stated, “I refuse to join the pearl-clutching when powerful people call for political violence.” He further claimed the situation was being blown out of proportion, drawing parallels to comments made by Jay Jones, a Democratic nominee for Virginia’s Attorney General, which Vance shared on social media.
The Young Republican National Federation’s board of directors has condemned the comments and called for the resignation of those quoted in the leaked messages.