Trump nominee Paul Ingrassia rejects antisemitism claims and defends his record ahead of Senate confirmation hearing.

Ingrassia Responds to Allegations Ahead of Confirmation

Paul Ingrassia, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), has publicly denied accusations of antisemitism and ties to Holocaust denial, asserting that such claims are false and politically motivated. The 30-year-old Cornell Law graduate from Long Island was nominated at the end of May to head the OSC, an independent agency responsible for investigating whistle-blower complaints and enforcing the Hatch Act.

Ingrassia’s nomination has sparked heated debate in Washington and drawn criticism from Democrats and segments of the media, with particular attention on his age and social media posts. Critics have accused him of antisemitism and suggested links to fringe figure Nick Fuentes, an avowed Holocaust denier. Ingrassia addressed these claims directly in an interview, stating, "I'm not an antisemite. The hit piece and the smears that are being propagated by CNN is just a total lie."

He continued, "The fact that they're smearing me as a Holocaust denier, I think it’s disgusting. I grew up in New York, where there were Holocaust survivors in my neighborhood. I listened to their stories and understand that we can never go through something like that ever again."

Jewish Leaders Defend Ingrassia’s Record

Some of the controversy centers on a past social media post where Ingrassia argued that Nick Fuentes, described as a "dissident voice," should be allowed to speak at a conference in the interest of free speech. Ingrassia clarified that his position on the First Amendment does not reflect any endorsement of Fuentes’s views. "I've done a lot currently in my role as a White House liaison to advance Jewish patriots and many jobs across the federal government," he said, also condemning recent acts of violence against Jewish communities.

Allegations that Ingrassia lacked support from Jewish organizations were also challenged. Morton Klein, national president of the Zionist Organization of America, clarified that he endorsed Ingrassia after additional discussion. Klein noted, "He also made clear to me that he finds ‘Fuentes views on denying the Holocaust and viciously and inappropriately condemning the Jewish State of Israel abhorrent and despicable.’"

Another prominent Jewish leader, Jonathan Burkan of the Holocaust Memorial Council, also rejected the claims, stating, "On a personal level, I know Paul to be a good man who is not an antisemite nor a Holocaust denier. I am confident he is a friend and an ally of the Jewish community, and anything to the contrary is a vicious and disgusting smear against him."

As the Senate prepares for Ingrassia’s confirmation hearing, the nominee is expected to face questions about his views and professional record. The timeline for the hearing remains uncertain, but the confirmation process is likely to focus on these allegations and his plans for the Office of Special Counsel.

The debate over Ingrassia’s nomination highlights the increasingly contentious atmosphere surrounding high-level federal appointments. As the Senate weighs his credentials and response to criticism, the outcome may signal how future nominations will be scrutinized amid partisan controversy and media attention.