Bipartisan Outcry Over Disturbing Racist and Violent Comments in Young Republican Chat

Thu Oct 16 2025 13:39:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A leaked group chat from the Young Republican National Federation reveals alarming commentary, including racism and jokes about violence, prompting calls for accountability from across the political spectrum.

The release of a Young Republican group chat filled with racist language and disturbing jokes has led to bipartisan calls for the resignation of those involved. The Young Republican National Federation condemned the exchanges, which were leaked from a Telegram group involving members from various states. While some Republicans have criticized the backlash as excessive, leaders from both parties have demanded action against those who participated in the chat. Prominent figures, like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, have called for investigations and immediate consequences for the individuals involved.

A leaked group chat from the Young Republican National Federation, which included excessive racist language, jokes about rape, and casual mentions of gas chambers, has sparked a bipartisan backlash calling for the individuals involved to resign from their positions.

The Young Republican National Federation, aimed at engaging Republicans aged 18 to 40, labeled the conversations as “unbecoming of any Republican.” News of the exchanges was first reported by Politico, which obtained months of conversations from a Telegram group used by various young Republican leaders.

Despite the outrage, Republican Vice President JD Vance has critiqued the response as “pearl clutching,” arguing that there are more serious issues at stake, citing even graver comments made by Democrats in past incidents.

Following the news, Vermont Republican politicians, along with Governor Phil Scott, demanded the resignation of state Senator Sam Douglass, a participant in the chat, highlighting that the comments were “unacceptable and deeply disturbing.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik expressed her dismay over the comments made by New York Young Republicans and amplified calls for accountability. Similarly, Kansas GOP chair Danedri Herbert asserted that such remarks do not represent true Republican values.

On the other hand, California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged the House Oversight Committee to investigate the texts, labeling them as conduct that could foster a discriminatory environment. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer condemned the chat’s content as “revolting” and encouraged immediate condemnation from leadership within the Republican Party.

The situation continues to unfold, as bipartisan leaders emphasize the need for accountability among those who believe such harmful rhetoric is acceptable in political discourse.