President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the federal agency responsible for protecting whistleblowers withdrew his candidacy on Wednesday (October 22) following reports that he bragged about having a “Nazi streak” and made racist remarks in a series of text messages.
Paul Ingrassia, 30, was set to appear before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee later this week for his confirmation hearing to head the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) — an independent watchdog that investigates whistleblower complaints.
Ingrassia announced his withdrawal on X (formerly Twitter), citing insufficient Republican support to move forward.
“I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s [Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee] hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time,” Ingrassia wrote.
“I appreciate the overwhelming support that I have received throughout this process and will continue to serve President Trump and this administration to Make America Great Again!” he added.
The withdrawal came after Politico published leaked text messages showing Ingrassia boasting about extremist views and making offensive remarks about Black Americans and civil rights figures.
“I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time, I will admit it,” Ingrassia allegedly wrote in one message sent in May 2024.
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