Summary
President Donald Trump's nominee for a federal watchdog role, Paul Ingrassia, withdrew his candidacy after his offensive text messages were revealed. These texts led several Republican senators to retract their support for his nomination. Ingrassia was scheduled for a confirmation hearing but decided to step down.
Key Facts
- Paul Ingrassia was nominated by President Trump to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
- Offensive text messages from Ingrassia came to light, prompting a backlash from GOP senators.
- In the texts, Ingrassia criticized the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and mentioned having "a Nazi streak."
- After the texts surfaced, several Republican senators, including top Trump allies, opposed his nomination.
- Ingrassia announced he would withdraw from the confirmation hearing due to insufficient Republican support.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune also expressed that he wanted the nomination withdrawn.
- The Office of Special Counsel investigates and protects government whistleblowers from retaliation.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Ingrassia to be removed from his current role completely.
