JD Vance Downplays Leaked Racist, Sexist Messages From Young Republicans, Shifts Attention To Democratic Scandal: 'Pearl Clutching'

Vice President JD Vance downplayed the racist, sexist and antisemitic messages sent by young Republicans from across the country and revealed by a new report, saying that violent ones from Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones are far more relevant.

"This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia. I refuse to join the pearl clutching when powerful people call for political violence," Vance said in a social media post on Thursday night.

He was making reference to Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, who apologized for 2022 messages about a Republican rival in which he also said he was saving "two bullets" for a Republican rival. Vance posted another screenshot in which Jones acknowledged the children of then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert would die.

"Yes, I've told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy," the message says. Another message said Gilbert and his wife were "breeding little fascists."

Jones said in a statement that he was "embarrassed, ashamed and sorry" for his messages. GOP incumbent Jason Miyares refused to accept the apology.

However, despite Vance's attempt to downplay the chats, other Republican officials have reacted with dismay, with some calling for those involved to be fired and other directly doing it.

The Young Republican National Federation slammed them, saying it was "appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed," adding that the "behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents."

The post added that those who took part in the chats "must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations." "We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism," the publication concluded.

Several officials across the country have already taken measures against those involved in the chats. Axios noted that the Kansas Young Republicans was ended by the state GOP after the report surfaced. Moreover, New York State Assemblymember Mike Reilly fired Peter Giunta as his chief of staff after he was accused of saying "I love Hitler;" and warning that "everyone that votes no is going to the gas chamber."

A senior adviser to Rep. Elise Stefanik said she was "absolutely appalled to learn about the alleged comments made by leaders of the New York State Young Republicans and other state YRs in a large national group chat."

Rep. Mike Lawler, on his end, called the comments "deeply offensive and hateful" and called them to resign immediately and "reflect on how far they have strayed from basic human respect and decency."