Overview
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Paul Ingrassia is “not going to pass” and urged the White House to consider withdrawing the nomination.
- Homeland Security panel Republicans Rick Scott, Ron Johnson and James Lankford signaled opposition, a lineup that could block advancement in the GOP’s 8–7 committee if Democrats hold together.
- Politico reported texts in which Ingrassia said he has “a Nazi streak” and called for MLK Jr. Day to be consigned to the “seventh circle of hell,” and said it verified a phone number tied to him.
- Ingrassia’s attorney disputed the messages’ authenticity and context, suggesting they could be manipulated or AI-altered and arguing some were self-deprecating satire.
- The Office of Special Counsel oversees whistleblower protections and the Hatch Act, and House Democrats plus advocacy groups have urged withdrawal as the hearing remains on the calendar.