JD Vance Dismisses Outrage Over Racist Young Republican Chat
Bipartisan anger erupted after a Young Republican group chat was made public, revealing racist comments, rape jokes, and flippant references to gas chambers.
The shocking leaks prompted calls for those involved to resign or be removed from their positions.
The Young Republican National Federation, the GOP’s organization for members aged 18 to 40, described the messages as “unbecoming of any Republican” and demanded accountability.
Yet Republican Vice President JD Vance has repeatedly dismissed the backlash, calling it “pearl clutching.”
The messages, obtained by Politico, span months of Telegram exchanges between leaders and members from states including New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont.
Vance Responds
Following Politico’s report, Vance posted a screenshot from 2022 texts on X showing Democratic Virginia AG candidate Jay Jones suggesting a prominent Republican get “two bullets to the head.”
“This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia,” Vance wrote. “I refuse to join the pearl-clutching when powerful people call for political violence.”
This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia. I refuse to join the pearl clutching when powerful people call for political violence. pic.twitter.com/kV57Wq7BLG
— JD Vance (@JDVance) October 14, 2025
Jones has publicly apologized to Todd Gilbert, former Speaker of Virginia’s House of Delegates.
Vance reiterated his stance on The Charlie Kirk Show podcast: “A person seriously wishing for political violence and political assassination is 1,000 times worse than what a bunch of young people, a bunch of kids say in a group chat, however offensive it might be.”
The 41-year-old father of three said he grew up in an era where “most of what I, the stupid things that I did as a teenager and as a young adult, they’re not on the internet.”
He added, “I really don’t want to us to grow up in a country where a kid telling a stupid joke, telling a very offensive, stupid joke is cause to ruin their lives.”
Vance also offered parental advice: “Especially my boys, don’t put things on the internet, like, be careful with what you post.
If you put something in a group chat, assume that some scumbag is going to leak it in an effort to try to cause you harm or cause your family harm.”
Republican Reaction
Some Republicans have called for swift action. Vermont GOP legislative leaders and Governor Phil Scott demanded state Senator Sam Douglass resign over his participation in the chat. They described the comments as “unacceptable and deeply disturbing.”
New York Representative Elise Stefanik said she was “absolutely appalled to learn about the alleged comments made by leaders of the New York State Young Republicans” and called for resignations.
Kansas GOP Chair Danedri Herbert stated the remarks “do not reflect the beliefs of Republicans and certainly not of Kansas Republicans at large.”
In a statement posted to X, the Young Republican National Federation condemned the messages, calling the behavior “disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents.”
Democrats Demand Accountability
Democratic leaders have been unified in their criticism. California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote to House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, requesting an investigation into the “vile and offensive text messages,” which he said could foster a hostile and discriminatory environment violating civil rights laws.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the chat “revolting” and urged Republicans, including former President Trump and Vance, to respond swiftly.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also labeled the messages “vile,” demanding consequences. “Kick them out of the party.
Take away their official roles. Stop using them as campaign advisers,” she said. “There needs to be consequences. This bulls has to stop.”
The leaked Young Republican chat has ignited bipartisan outrage, but JD Vance continues to downplay the controversy, framing it as overblown compared to threats of political violence from opposing parties.
The debate over accountability and online behavior shows no signs of slowing.
