Overview
- Politico reported that Paul Ingrassia wrote in private texts that MLK Jr. Day should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell” and that he has “a Nazi streak,” with two participants corroborating the messages and one providing screenshots.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “he’s not going to pass,” and Republicans Rick Scott and Ron Johnson said they would not support the nominee, while the Thursday Homeland Security Committee hearing remains scheduled.
- Ingrassia’s attorney, Edward Andrew Paltzik, questioned the messages’ authenticity, suggested possible manipulation or missing context, and argued any authentic comments were self‑deprecating satire.
- The texts add to earlier scrutiny over Ingrassia’s prior inflammatory statements, reported ties to far‑right figures such as Nick Fuentes, and a separate sexual‑harassment allegation reported earlier this year.
- The Office of Special Counsel investigates whistleblower retaliation and enforces the Hatch Act, intensifying concerns about the nominee’s fitness for the independent watchdog role.