JD Vance Downplays Racist Texts in GOP Group Chat, Calls Them ‘What Kids Do’

WASHINGTON — Vice President JD Vance is facing bipartisan backlash after dismissing outrage over a leaked Republican group chat that contained racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic messages, brushing off the offensive texts as “what kids do.” The remarks, made during a press gaggle on Capitol Hill late Tuesday, have ignited a storm of criticism from Democrats, civil rights groups, and even some Republicans who say the comments trivialize bigotry and excuse behavior that should be condemned.

The controversy stems from the release of thousands of messages from a private Young Republican National Federation group chat, first reported by Politico. The leaked texts included racial slurs, jokes about rape, flippant references to gas chambers, and even messages praising Adolf Hitler. The revelations prompted the Young Republican National Federation to call for those involved to resign from leadership positions, describing the exchanges as “unbecoming of any Republican.”

But Vance, rather than joining the chorus of condemnation, downplayed the significance of the messages. “People are pearl‑clutching over private conversations,” he said. “It’s dumb stuff, it’s offensive stuff, but it’s what kids do. We shouldn’t pretend this is some great moral crisis.”

A Firestorm of Criticism

The vice president’s comments immediately drew sharp rebukes. Civil rights organizations accused him of normalizing hate speech, while Democrats said his response reflected a broader tolerance for extremism within the GOP.

“Calling racist and antisemitic slurs ‘what kids do’ is not leadership, it’s complicity,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. “These were not children. These were adult political operatives entrusted with shaping the future of a major political party.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez (D‑N.Y.) called Vance’s remarks “disgusting,” adding, “This is not locker‑room talk. This is hate speech. And when the vice president of the United States excuses it, he sends a message that it’s acceptable.”

Even some Republicans distanced themselves. Sen. Mitt Romney (R‑Utah) said in a statement, “There is no excuse for racist or antisemitic rhetoric, whether in public or private. We should expect better from our leaders and from those who aspire to lead.”

The White House, however, stood by Vance. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the vice president was “making the point that people sometimes say stupid things in private conversations” and that “the administration condemns racism in all forms.”

The Leaked Messages

The leaked group chat, which spanned several months, involved dozens of members of Young Republican chapters across the country. Screenshots published by Politico and other outlets showed participants referring to Black people as “monkeys,” joking about rape and slavery, and posting memes glorifying Hitler.

One message read, “I love Hitler,” while another suggested sending political opponents to “the gas chambers.” Others included homophobic slurs and derogatory comments about women.

The Young Republican National Federation, which represents GOP members between the ages of 18 and 40, quickly condemned the messages and called for those involved to step down. “The language and sentiments expressed in these chats are abhorrent and have no place in our organization or our party,” the group said in a statement.

But Vance, in his remarks, suggested the outrage was overblown. “We’ve all said things in private we wouldn’t want published,” he said. “The idea that this disqualifies people from political life is ridiculous.”

Political Calculations

Analysts say Vance’s response reflects both his political instincts and his role as Trump’s running mate. Known for his combative style and willingness to embrace culture‑war battles, Vance has often positioned himself as a defender of conservatives against what he calls “liberal cancel culture.”

“Vance is playing to the base,” said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics. “He knows that many Republican voters are skeptical of media outrage and see these controversies as attempts to smear their side. By dismissing the scandal, he’s reinforcing that narrative.”

But the strategy carries risks. Polling shows that while GOP voters may be more forgiving of offensive remarks, independents and moderates are less tolerant. “This could hurt Vance with swing voters, especially suburban women and younger voters who are more sensitive to issues of race and inclusion,” Sabato said.

Broader Concerns About Political Discourse

The uproar comes at a time of heightened concern about the tone of American politics. Just last month, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a university event in Utah, an incident that has fueled fears of escalating political violence. Against that backdrop, critics say dismissing hateful rhetoric as harmless banter is especially dangerous.

“Words matter,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti‑Defamation League. “When political leaders minimize or excuse hate speech, it creates an environment where extremism can flourish. That’s not just irresponsible — it’s dangerous.”

The controversy also highlights divisions within the Republican Party over how to handle extremism in its ranks. While some leaders have sought to distance the party from fringe elements, others have embraced them or looked the other way. Vance’s comments, critics say, fall into the latter category.

What Comes Next

It remains unclear whether the scandal will have lasting political consequences. The Young Republican National Federation has pledged to investigate and take disciplinary action against those involved, but the group has limited authority over local chapters.

Democrats are likely to keep the issue alive, using Vance’s remarks to paint the administration as tolerant of bigotry. Already, Democratic campaign committees have begun fundraising off the controversy, sending emails blasting Vance’s “shocking defense of hate speech.”

For Vance, the episode may reinforce his image as a lightning rod — a politician who thrives on controversy and refuses to apologize. Whether that helps or hurts him in the long run may depend on how voters weigh his loyalty to the base against broader concerns about decency and leadership.

As the fallout continues, one thing is clear: the debate over the leaked messages has become more than a question of private words in a group chat. It is now a test of how America’s political leaders respond to hate — and whether they choose to confront it or excuse it.

Reporting by Nick Ravenshade. Original analysis by NENC Media Group.
Sources: PBS NewsHour, The New Republic, Newsweek, CBC, Slate.