California Governor Gavin Newsom is calling for a congressional investigation into the 'vile and offensive' pro-Nazi, pro-rape, and racist text messages recently exposed from Young Republican leaders across the nation. In a letter to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Newsom highlights the extreme nature of these messages, which include threats of 'gas chambers' and 'love for Hitler', as well as endorsements of rape and racist language. Newsom argues that these messages create a hostile environment, violating civil rights laws, and questions the GOP's hypocrisy in targeting Ivy League schools for antisemitism while ignoring the hateful speech of Young Republicans.
Newsom's demand for an investigation comes amidst criticism from Vice President JD Vance, who dismissed the issue by suggesting that 'kids do stupid things' and should focus on 'real issues'. This response sparked further outrage, especially when Vance later took to social media to mock the outrage, drawing attention to similar comments made by Democratic candidates in Virginia. Newsom emphasizes the need for congressional oversight, citing the potential lack of trust in the Department of Justice and other agencies to handle such cases adequately.
The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions and the differing views on free speech and accountability within the Republican Party. While some Young Republicans have resigned from their state groups, others, like Vermont state Sen. Sam Douglass, have refused to step down. Newsom's social media team has also weighed in, calling for the rest of the Republican Party to address the issue, emphasizing the disgust over the Vice President's implicit endorsement of Nazism and the Speaker of the House's silence.
