1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern and alarm regarding the recently leaked private messages from a Telegram chat involving Young Republican leaders from several states, including New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont. The content of these messages, which included racist, antisemitic, and violent rhetoric, is not only deeply offensive but also poses a significant threat to the integrity of our political system and the values we hold dear as Americans. The leaked chat reveals a disturbing pattern of behavior among individuals who hold positions of influence within state-level Young Republican organizations and even government roles. Their messages contained slurs, jokes about gas chambers, slavery, and rape – topics that should never be treated lightly, let alone used as material for humor. This rhetoric goes far beyond the bounds of acceptable political discourse and reflects a dangerous normalization of extremist ideologies. What makes this situation even more concerning is that these messages were part of a coordinated effort to gain control of the national Young Republican organization on a pro-Trump platform. This suggests that the problem is not isolated but potentially systemic within certain factions of the party. The consequences of this leak have already been significant, with some participants losing their jobs and facing condemnation from prominent Republicans. However, I believe more comprehensive action is needed to address this issue at its root. I urge you to take immediate and decisive action: 1. Publicly condemn this behavior and reaffirm our party's commitment to inclusivity and respect for all Americans. 2. Call for a thorough investigation into the extent of extremist ideologies within Young Republican organizations across the country. 3. Implement mandatory sensitivity and ethics training for all Young Republican leaders and members. 4. Establish clear guidelines and consequences for hate speech and extremist rhetoric within party-affiliated organizations. The coarsening of political discourse, particularly evident in recent years, threatens the very foundations of our democracy. We must act now to ensure that the future leaders of our party and our nation uphold the values of respect, equality, and dignity for all. I look forward to hearing about the specific steps you will take to address this critical issue. Our response to this crisis will define the character and future of our party. Let us choose to stand firmly on the side of decency, respect, and true American values.