Controversial Trump Loyalist Secures Senior Government Role
Paul Ingrassia, a 30-year-old Donald Trump loyalist previously embroiled in a major scandal over alleged racist text messages, has reportedly been appointed to a senior position within the Trump administration. Despite being removed from consideration for leading the Office of Special Counsel just weeks ago, Ingrassia is now set to become deputy general counsel at the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency that manages fundamental government property and supplies.
A Swift Promotion Amidst Past Controversies
According to an email sent by Ingrassia on Thursday, 13th November 2025, and obtained by Politico, he stated it had been an "honour" to serve under Secretary Kristi Noem in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A White House official confirmed the promotion to Politico, praising Ingrassia as a "very helpful addition" who would execute the President's America First policies. A GSA spokesperson also expressed looking forward to utilising his legal talents.
This appointment comes shortly after a political firestorm in October 2025, when Politico published a series of alleged text messages attributed to Ingrassia. The messages reportedly contained an Italian racial slur for Black people and called for holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, and Black History Month to be "eviscerated." One message allegedly described MLK Jr. as the "1960s George Floyd" and said his holiday should be tossed into the "seventh circle of hell." Ingrassia was also accused of admitting to having a "Nazi streak."
Denials, Lawsuits, and Further Allegations
Ingrassia's lawyer, Edward Andrew Paltzik, vehemently denied the allegations. He suggested the texts could have been manipulated or were intended as "satirical humour" mocking the liberal tendency to label MAGA supporters as Nazis. The scandal was severe enough that Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated he hoped Ingrassia would withdraw his previous nomination, as he was "not gonna pass" confirmation.
Further controversy followed with allegations of sexual harassment. Politico reported that Ingrassia allegedly booked himself and a female colleague into a shared hotel room during a joint trip. While the colleague eventually slept in a separate bed in the same room, five administration officials suggested she filed an HR complaint, later retracting it over fear of retaliation. Ingrassia's lawyer denied all harassment claims, stating an HR investigation had cleared him of any wrongdoing. The unnamed woman also stated she "never felt uncomfortable" and denied making a complaint. Ingrassia has since sued Politico for defamation in Warren County, Virginia, over the harassment reports.
Despite the cloud of controversy, Paul Ingrassia's new role at the GSA marks a significant return to a position of influence within the federal government, underscoring the administration's continued support for the embattled aide.
