Senator Mullin Condemns Racist and Anti-Semitic Comments in Young Republicans Chat

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) spoke out on Wednesday against remarks made in a Young Republicans group chat, accusing its members of making racist and anti-Semitic jokes. This came as he diverged from Vice President Vance, who seemed to downplay the severity of the comments.

During an interview on CNN with Casey Hunt, Mullin highlighted that the Young Republicans National Federation, which includes around 15,000 members aged 18 to 40, condemned the discussions and called for the immediate resignation of those involved.

“All Republicans, including myself, condemned this 100 percent,” Mullin stated. “This is a serious situation. There’s no room for this in the Republican Party.”

He went on to label the comments as “despicable” and emphasized that there is “zero tolerance” for such behavior in politics, regardless of party affiliation. “We hold ourselves accountable within the Republican Party. We will not allow something like that to happen,” he added.

A report from Politico detailed that a series of text messages from the Young Republicans group chat surfaced, revealing members making light of racial stereotypes, using homophobic slurs, and joking about topics like gas chambers, slavery, and rape.

One notable quote from Peter Giunta, a 31-year-old member, allegedly stated, “I love Hitler,” while discussing the appeal of the most extreme right-wing figures.

When asked if he agreed with Vice President Vance’s claim that the chat participants were merely “kids” joking around and should not face backlash, Mullin disagreed. Vance had also mentioned in a separate interview that one should be cautious about public comments as information may be leaked to harm you or your family.

“I didn’t hear what the Vice President said, but I would never let my kids make jokes like that. That’s a firm no,” Mullin explained.

He recalled his grandfather’s harrowing tales from World War II, particularly about the Holocaust. “My grandfather fought in World War II. He went to Omaha Beach. Along the way, he witnessed the horrific acts committed by the Nazis against Jews and other races. He visited a concentration camp,” Mullin recalled.

“So, no. There’s no room for jokes for me. If you think it’s funny, it’s hard for you to have anything to do with me,” he concluded.