Members of several Young Republican chapters allegedly exchanged thousands of offensive messages filled with racist, misogynistic, and antisemitic language over a seven-month period, according to a report by Politico published on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The messages, reportedly sent via the encrypted chat platform Telegram, also included disturbing jokes about sexual assault and slavery. According to Politico, members of the group made repeated references to slavery and praised Republicans they believed supported it.
The conversations were allegedly exchanged between members of Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) chapters in New York, Arizona, Kansas, and Vermont. The YRNF describes itself as “the oldest political youth organization in the United States” and “the premier Republican youth organization.” It currently operates chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Politico identified several individuals involved, including Peter Giunta, former chair of the New York State Young Republicans, and Bobby Walker, the group’s vice-chair. In the leaked chats, Walker allegedly described rape as “epic,” while Giunta reportedly made a crude reference to “gas chambers.”
In a statement to Politico, Giunta claimed the messages were “sourced by way of extortion.” He apologized for using “insensitive and inexcusable language” but expressed concern that the logs may have been “deceptively doctored.” Following the report, Giunta was dismissed from his position as chief of staff for Assemblymember Mike Reilly, according to SILive.
Reilly said in a statement that the reported comments were “extremely troubling and disappointing.” He added, “They do not align with my values. As a result, Mr. Giunta’s assignment in my office has ended.”
Walker told Politico he believed portions of the chat “may have been altered, taken out of context, or otherwise manipulated.” Nonetheless, he issued an apology, acknowledging, “There is no excuse for the language and tone in messages attributed to me. The language is wrong and hurtful, and I sincerely apologize.” He added that the incident had been “a painful lesson about judgment and trust.”
The YRNF’s board of directors publicly condemned the messages in a statement posted to its Facebook page. “We are appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article published today,” the board wrote. “Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents.”
The board also called for those involved to “immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations.” It added, “We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism.”
Several state chapters have since reacted to the revelations. The Oklahoma and Illinois branches issued statements condemning the leaked messages, while the Kansas chapter’s online presence has gone dark — its Facebook page, previously linked on the Young Republican website, is currently inactive.
