NEW YORK — A recent leak of private Telegram chats among leaders of various Young Republican groups across the United States has exposed a troubling undercurrent of racist, anti-Semitic, and violent discussions. The leaked messages, which span over seven months and include contributions from members in New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont, have stirred significant controversy and led to calls for resignations and public apologies from involved parties.

The chats, which were obtained by POLITICO, reveal disturbing exchanges where members frequently used racial slurs, engaged in hate speech, and even joked about violent actions against political opponents. High-ranking officials such as Peter Giunta, former chair of the New York State Young Republicans, and William Hendrix, vice chair of the Kansas Young Republicans, were prominent contributors to these conversations.

In one message, Giunta joked about needing to fix showers to fit a "Hitler aesthetic," a reference to gas chambers used during the Holocaust. In another, Hendrix used racial slurs and spoke positively about slavery. These comments have not only shocked the public but also led to immediate repercussions for some members. For instance, Hendrix was dismissed from his role in the Kansas Attorney General’s office shortly after the leaks.

The exposure of such messages has prompted denunciations from senior Republican figures, such as Rep. Elise Stefanik and state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, who expressed disgust and called for the resignation of those involved. The chat also showed members mocking various minority groups and discussing strategies to dominate the Young Republican National Federation with a hardline pro-Trump agenda.

Moreover, the leak has unveiled potential financial mismanagement within the New York State Young Republicans, with chat logs hinting at irresponsible handling of funds. This has led to further investigations and added financial scrutiny of the organization.

The fallout from the leak continues to unfold, with affected members either apologizing, claiming the chats were doctored, or refusing to comment. The incident has highlighted not only the personal conduct of these young party leaders but also the broader implications for the Republican Party’s image and the political culture it cultivates.

As the story develops, the focus remains on how the party will address and rectify the behaviors revealed in these chats and what steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the Young Republican National Federation has reiterated its stance against racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of hate, emphasizing such behavior as contrary to its values.