A major scandal has erupted after over 2,900 pages of Telegram messages from leaders of various Young Republican chapters were leaked, revealing racist, antisemitic, homophobic, and violent rhetoric. The messages, dated from January to August 2025, included references to Adolf Hitler, gas chambers, and sexual violence, sparking national outrage.
Among those implicated are Peter Giunta, former president of the New York State Young Republican Club, and Bobby Walker, current chair of the New York State Young Republicans. Giunta, who also served as Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Mike Reilly, was immediately fired following the revelations. Walker, who had been employed in the New York State Unified Court System, is no longer working there.
In Kansas, the Young Republicans chapter has been disbanded after messages from members surfaced. William Hendrix, former communications assistant for Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach, was terminated. Kansas GOP Chair Danedri Herbert condemned the messages, stating they do not reflect the beliefs of the broader Republican Party.
Vermont State Senator Samuel Douglass is the only elected official identified in the leaked chats. The Vermont Republican Party removed him from his duties, and Governor Phil Scott called for his resignation, labeling the content as “vile, racist, bigoted, and antisemitic.”
The Young Republican National Federation also demanded the resignation of all individuals involved, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable for anyone representing the organization.
The leak has drawn bipartisan condemnation. Democratic leaders, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Governor Gavin Newsom, have called for investigations. Newsom stressed that scrutiny should apply equally across political lines, citing other high-profile controversies involving political figures.
In contrast, Vice President JD Vance downplayed the severity of the messages, describing them as “edgy, offensive jokes” made by young people. He compared the backlash to previous controversies involving Democratic figures, claiming the Republican chat was less serious.
The controversy has sparked wider discussions about extremism, accountability, and oversight within youth political organizations. It also highlights the risks associated with online communication platforms, where offensive content can quickly become public and create reputational and legal consequences for political groups.
As investigations continue, the scandal is likely to have lasting repercussions on the leadership, public image, and internal policies of Young Republican organizations nationwide.
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