Following racist and anti-Semitic messages from a group chat of Young Republicans in New York It was leaked On Wednesday, state GOP leaders moved quickly to pull the plug, Vote for the solution group on Friday.
decision Revelation follows That young Republican leaders across the country exchanged grotesque messages — including jokes about rape, gas chambers, and Hitler. Many of the New York members participating were not fringe players, but prominent figures, including President Peter Gionta and Vice President Bobby Walker.
The repercussions were immediate. Gionta He lost his job As chief of staff, Rep. Mike Reilly, while Walker It was his offer Congressional campaign management was abolished. Both men issued apologies But he doubted Whether the chat has been changed.
“The Young Republicans Party is already very poorly run, and profane language of the type used in group chat has no place in our party or its affiliated organizations,” Ed Cox, chairman of the New York Republican Party, told Politico.
Other leaders noted that the group’s dissolution creates an opportunity for a fresh start. By canceling the branch’s charter, officials can reconstitute it under new leadership.
But the problems didn’t start with leaks. the chapter I have been afflicted Through months of infighting and financial mismanagement, losing deposits and piling up unpaid bills.
Newsday Reported for the first time Plans for its solution, which followed Republicans in Kansas.
The scandal drew swift bipartisan condemnation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, criticized Republican leaders for their silence – especially Vice President J.D. Vance, who I ignored the messages Like “stupid” jokes made by “kids”, even though the people in the chat are between 24 and 35 years old.
She added: “Antisemitism is a real issue. Political violence is a real issue. Racism is a real issue.” Written on X. “The perverse and persistent excuses are nonsense. Everyone, from the president on down, should strongly condemn this.”
Likewise, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Republicans for their selective anger.
“A lot of Republican leaders seem willing to denounce violent rhetoric only when it comes from the other side. But those same Republicans never seem willing to denounce it when it comes from their own ranks, and that’s dangerous.” He said in a statement. “Violent political speech is an attack on everyone.”
Even some Republicans in New York have spoken out.
Reps. Elise Stefanik and Mike Lawler denounced the conversation, despite Stefanik Described later Politico story as a “hit piece”. And the National Union of Republican Youth Called letters “Despicable and unjustified,” demanding that anyone involved resign from their positions.
cox Sent formal notice to the national union, promoting Republican “accountability” while criticizing Democrats.
“Unlike the Democratic Party, which embraces anti-Semitic rhetoric and refuses to condemn leaders who call for political violence, Republicans provide accountability by immediately removing those who use this kind of rhetoric from office,” he wrote.
The story behind the leak only added drama.
according to The daily monsterGavin Wax – a State Department official and former chairman of the Young Republicans of New York – is suspected of obtaining and leaking the letters amid a personal feud with Giunta. The bad blood reportedly stemmed from a 2024 photo gone wrong with President Donald Trump.
Wax denied any involvement, and some sources told Politico that the leak came from several people, not just one person.
Whatever the origin, the messages are out, and the consequences are real. The separation of the state has ended, the leadership has been dismantled, and the participating members are out of office and out of power. The takeaway is straightforward: Hate has consequences. These Republicans played around, found out, and lost their positions and what little credibility they had.
For once, the GOP took responsibility, letting them face the wreckage they created.