Trump Pick to Lead Federal Watchdog Agency Withdraws

President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead a federal watchdog agency withdrew from consideration Tuesday evening after his offensive text messages were made public and Republican senators revolted, Associated Press (AP) reporters Seung Min Kim, Kevin Freking, and Will Weissert reported.

Ingrassia’s decision came shortly after Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hoped the White House would pull the nomination, and several GOP senators confirmed they would vote against him. (Photo: United States Department of Homeland Security)

Paul Ingrassia, who had been nominated to lead the Office of Special Counsel, was scheduled to have his confirmation hearing this week.

On Monday, Politico reported on a text chat showing him saying the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be “tossed into the seventh circle of hell.” Ingrassia also described himself as having “a Nazi streak” at times.

After the texts were exposed, Republican senators — including several of Trump’s staunchest allies — said they would not support his nomination.

“I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s HSGAC hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time,” Ingrassia posted.

HSGAC refers to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Asked for comment on Ingrassia’s withdrawal, the White House said simply that “he is no longer the nominee.”

Ingrassia’s decision came shortly after Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he hoped the White House would pull the nomination, and several GOP senators confirmed they would vote against him.

“I’m a no,” said Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who sits on the committee that would have taken up Ingrassia’s nomination. “It never should have got this far.”