Controversial Young Republican Group Chat Sparks Bipartisan Outcry

Thu Oct 16 2025 07:53:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A leaked group chat from the Young Republican National Federation reveals inappropriate comments, prompting calls for resignations across political lines.

A recent leak of a Young Republican group chat featuring racist language and jokes about rape has led to widespread condemnation from both Republican and Democratic leaders. The Young Republican National Federation has called for resignations from the participants, while opinions on the severity of the comments vary among GOP figures. Prominent Democrats are urging investigations and demanding consequences, indicating a significant rift within the Republican party regarding the values represented by its youth.

The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape, and flippant commentary on gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions.

The Young Republican National Federation, the GOP’s political organization for Republicans aged 18 to 40, has called for those involved to step down, labeling the exchanges as 'unbecoming of any Republican.'

Republican Vice President JD Vance has weighed in multiple times, criticizing what he refers to as 'pearl clutching' over the leaked messages.

According to Politico, the messages stem from a months-long exchange on Telegram, involving leaders and affiliates of the Young Republican National Federation from various states, including New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont.

Vance also juxtaposed the comments in the group chat with a past controversial remark from Jay Jones, a Democratic candidate in Virginia, who suggested violence against a Republican. He argued that political violence is a far greater concern than what young Republicans said in their chat.

Other Republican figures have demanded immediate resignations. Vermont Republican legislative leaders and Governor Phil Scott have called for state Senator Sam Douglass to step down, labeling the statements as 'unacceptable and deeply disturbing.'

In contrast, many Democrats have uniformly condemned the messages without equivocation. California Governor Gavin Newsom has requested an investigation into the 'vile and offensive text messages,' while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer labeled the chat 'revolting' and called for swift condemnation from Republican leaders.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul added that there should be concrete consequences for those involved, stating, 'Kick them out of the party. Take away their official roles.'

This reaction underscores the divisions within the Republican party regarding how to handle such inflammatory remarks amongst their youth members, while simultaneously reflecting on the broader societal expectations of accountability in political discourse.