The release of a Young Republicans group chat containing racist language, jokes about rape and flippant comments about gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be fired or resign.
The Young Republicans National Federation, a Republican political organization for Republicans between the ages of 18 and 40, called on those involved to resign from the organization. The group called the exchange, first reported by Politico, “unusual for a Republican.”
republican vice president JD VanceBut he has spoken out several times about the leaked messages, which he characterized as “pearl clutching.”
Politico obtained months of wired conversations between leaders and members of the Young Republicans National Federation and some of its affiliates in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont.
Below is a summary of the reactions to this incendiary group chat. There, the operatives and officials involved openly worried that their comments would be leaked, even as they continued the conversation.
vance
After Politico’s initial report on Tuesday, Vance posted a screen capture of the 2022 text message to X. Jay Jonesa Democratic candidate in the Virginia attorney general race suggested that a prominent Republican would take “two bullets to the head.”
“This is far worse than what was said in a college group chat and the person who said he could be Virginia’s AG,” Vance wrote Tuesday. “I refuse to participate in pearl clutching when those in power call for political violence.”
Jones later said he took “full responsibility” for his comments and offered a public apology to then-Virginia House of Representatives President Todd Gilbert.
Vance said Wednesday: charlie kirk show When asked about the report on his podcast, he said, “Someone who really wants political violence or political assassination, no matter how offensive, is 1,000 times worse than something a bunch of young people and kids say in a group chat.”
Vance, 41, said he grew up in a different era than he did. “Most of the stupid things I did as a teenager and young adult aren’t on the internet.”
The father of three said he would warn his children: “Especially my sons, don’t post on the internet. Be careful what you post. If you post something in a group chat, assume that someone is going to leak it to harm you or your family.”
“I don’t want us to grow up in a country where a kid telling a stupid joke, or a very offensive and stupid joke, is going to ruin their life,” Vance said.
republican party
Other Republicans called for more immediate intervention. Vermont’s Republican legislative leaders and governor. phil scott They called for the resignation of state Sen. Sam Douglas, also a Republican, who was revealed to have participated in the chat. A joint statement from Republican lawmakers called the remarks “unacceptable and deeply disturbing.”
The congressman said he was “absolutely appalled to learn of the alleged statements made by the leaders of the New York State Young Republicans.” Elise Stefanik New York state lawmakers called on those involved to resign from their positions. Danedri Herbert, chairman of the Kansas Republican Party, said the statement “does not reflect the beliefs of Republicans and does not reflect the beliefs of Kansas Republicans as a whole.”
In a statement posted to X on Tuesday, the Young Republicans National Federation said it was “appalled” by the reported messages and calls for those involved to resign from their positions within the organization. Young Republican leaders said the act was “disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and in direct opposition to the values our movement stands for.”
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party has been more uniform in its condemnation. On Wednesday, California Governor gavin newsome sent a letter to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer requesting an investigation into the “vile and offensive text messages,” which he called “the definition of conduct that could create a hostile and discriminatory environment in violation of civil rights law.”
Senate Democratic Leader speaks on the Senate floor Chuck Schumer A New York newspaper on Tuesday described the chats as “revolting” and called on Trump and Republicans, including Vance, to “quickly and unequivocally condemn these statements.”
When asked about this report, the Governor of New York said: Kathy Hochul He called the interaction “despicable” and called for consequences for those involved.
“Kick them out of the party. Strip them of their official roles. Stop using them as campaign staff,” Hochul said. “We need results. This bullish movement has to stop.”
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Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price contributed to this report.
