Trump’s special counsel pick Paul Ingrassia withdraws nomination after disturbing ‘Nazi streak’ text scandal

President Trump’s pick to head the federal agency tasked with protecting whistleblowers withdrew his nomination Tuesday amid reports he bragged about having a “Nazi streak” in a series of disturbing text messages.

Paul Ingrassia, who was expected to testify before a Senate panel later this week on his nomination to lead the Office of Special Counsel, revealed in a social media post that he didn’t have enough support to be confirmed for the job.

“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 on X.

“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.

Ingrassia, 30, had faced mounting calls for his nomination to be yanked after Politico reported on leaked text messages this week he sent to about half-dozen fellow Republicans last year.

“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.