Young Republican Group Chat Sparks Outrage and Calls for Resignations

The public release of a Young Republican group chat has ignited significant backlash following the discovery of racist language, jokes about sexual assault, and casual references to gas chambers. The messages, revealed by Politico, have prompted bipartisan calls for the resignation of those involved from their positions within the party. The Young Republican National Federation, representing Republicans aged 18 to 40, condemned the exchanges, labeling them as “unbecoming of any Republican.”

The leaked messages originated from a Telegram group comprising leaders and members from various state affiliates, including New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont. Following the initial report, reactions poured in, with many calling for accountability. Among the most vocal was JD Vance, the Republican Vice President, who criticized what he termed “pearl clutching” over the messages.

Vance took to X to draw attention to what he deemed a more severe incident involving Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for Virginia’s attorney general, who suggested violence against a prominent Republican. Vance stated, “This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat,” emphasizing the need to focus on more serious threats of political violence rather than the comments made in the group chat.

In a subsequent appearance on “The Charlie Kirk Show,” Vance maintained his position, asserting that a person calling for political violence is “1,000 times worse than what a bunch of young people, a bunch of kids say in a group chat.” Reflecting on societal changes, Vance noted the difference in how youth behavior is scrutinized today compared to his upbringing. He cautioned young people about the permanence of online content, urging them to be mindful of their digital footprint.

Despite Vance’s defense, many within the Republican Party expressed dissatisfaction with the remarks. In Vermont, Republican leaders, including Governor Phil Scott, called for state Senator Sam Douglass to resign, condemning the comments as “unacceptable and deeply disturbing.”

Similarly, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York voiced her disapproval, stating she was “absolutely appalled” by the content of the chat and urged for immediate resignations from those implicated. The Kansas GOP chair, Danedri Herbert, echoed this sentiment, asserting that such remarks do not represent the values of the Republican Party.

Democrats have uniformly condemned the chat’s content. On March 15, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, called for an investigation into the “vile and offensive text messages,” labeling them as conduct that could foster a hostile environment violating civil rights laws. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer described the exchanges as “revolting,” urging Republicans including former President Donald Trump and Vance to denounce the comments promptly.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared similar sentiments, calling the messages “vile” and demanding consequences for those involved. “Kick them out of the party. Take away their official roles. Stop using them as campaign advisers,” Hochul stated emphatically, calling for an end to such behavior.

The fallout from the group chat highlights a growing divide within the Republican Party as it grapples with issues of accountability and the impact of offensive rhetoric. The Young Republican National Federation’s swift response reflects a broader concern about maintaining the integrity and values of the party in an increasingly polarized political landscape.