Trump Nominee Steps Down Amid Controversy Over Alleged ‘Nazi’ Comment, Retains White House Liaison Role

Paul Ingrassia has decided to step back from his nomination to lead the Office of Special Counsel following revelations about controversial remarks in which he allegedly described himself as having a “Nazi streak,” along with other racially insensitive comments.

In a statement on Truth Social, Ingrassia announced, “I am withdrawing from Thursday’s Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing for the Office of Special Counsel position, as I currently lack the necessary Republican support.”

He expressed gratitude for the backing he has received, stating, “I am thankful for the overwhelming support throughout this process and will continue to be committed to President Trump and his administration in the mission to Make America Great Again.”

The decision follows indications from several Republican senators on the committee reviewing his nomination that they would not endorse him, casting doubt on his ability to gather the required votes.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) had previously advised the White House on Monday to reconsider Ingrassia’s nomination.

“He’s not going to pass,” Thune said.

Politico initially reported the comments made by Ingrassia on Monday. The outlet reported that Ingrassia, in a text thread, called for the end of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and said you can “never trust a chinaman or Indian.”

Others in the group chat challenged him, to which he reportedly replied, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it.” He also stressed the need to have “competent white men in positions of leadership.”

On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called on Trump to withdraw the nomination.

“These texts are foul and disqualifying,” Schumer said Tuesday on the Senate floor. “And it’s hard to believe there is any process in any White House that would allow such a man through to be nominated.”

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) also called on Trump to withdraw his nomination of Ingrassia. Raskin also referred to Politico’s reporting that Ingrassia was the subject of a sexual harassment complaint after allegedly secretly canceling a female co-worker’s hotel room and then telling her she would need to stay with him.

“We have known for months that Mr. Ingrassia lacks any relevant qualifications, having graduated from law school just three years ago,” Raskin said.

“We also know he was the subject of a sexual harassment complaint in June and that he openly admires Nick Fuentes a rabidly antisemitic right-wing leader, Holocaust denier, and white nationalist. You chose to hire and promote Mr. Ingrassia despite all that or perhaps even because of it.”

While the announcement ends Ingrassia’s bid for a Senate-confirmed role, he remains a White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security and a fact that doesn’t sit well with critics.

Schumer, after Ingrassia’s withdrawal, took to X to urge Trump to rid him from his DHS role.

“This isn’t anywhere near enough,” Schumer said of Ingrassia’s announcement. “Trump has to fire him immediately.”

When contacted by the Associated Press after Ingrassia’s withdrawal, a representative for the White House only told the outlet, “He is no longer the nominee.”