The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions. Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, has criticized the backlash, labeling it "pearl clutching." Vance compared the dustup to past violent comments by a Democratic candidate, arguing that Jay Jones' remarks concerning political violence were worse. Other Republicans, like Vermont's Gov. Phil Scott, demand resignations, calling the comments "unacceptable." Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have urged investigations, condemning the messages as discriminatory.
