Leaked Chats Reveal Racist, Antisemitic Hate Among Young Republicans

A leaked private Telegram chat among Young Republican leaders revealed deeply racist, antisemitic, and violent language, sparking widespread condemnation and internal investigations. The chat, initially created by Peter Giunta, former chair of the New York State Young Republicans, devolved into thousands of messages filled with hateful slurs and references to genocide, including explicit admiration for Hitler and calls for gas chambers. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other officials have demanded accountability, with some members resigning or being suspended, while Rep. Elise Stefanik faced criticism for her perceived silence and past endorsements of these individuals. The revelations have exposed a troubling culture of bigotry within the party's youth ranks, reflecting broader concerns about intolerance in today's political climate. Some involved have claimed the chats were doctored or part of political infighting, but the volume and severity of the messages have made these defenses largely unconvincing. This scandal highlights the challenges facing the Republican Party as it confronts internal divisions and the legacy of Trump-era politics.