Former Trump nominee embroiled in leaked text controversy sues Politico for $150M
Paul Ingrassia, former president Donald TrumpS nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel adn current White House liaison for the Department of Homeland Security, has filed a $150 million defamation lawsuit against Politico and reporter Daniel Lippman. The lawsuit stems from a Politico article accusing ingrassia of sexual harassment, allegations he strongly denies. Ingrassia withdrew from his Senate confirmation hearing after the publication of leaked text messages in which he allegedly made controversial remarks,including admitting to having a “Nazi streak” and opposing the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legal team argues the texts might potentially be manipulated or taken out of context and claim they could represent satirical humor mocking exaggerated accusations against MAGA supporters. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated Ingrassia lacked the votes for confirmation following the controversy. Ingrassia’s lawsuit seeks to clear his name and hold Politico accountable for what he asserts are false and damaging reports.
Former Trump nominee embroiled in leaked text controversy sues Politico for $150M
President Donald Trump‘s former nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel announced he filed a $150 million defamation lawsuit against Politico and one of their reporters, Daniel Lippman.
Paul Ingrassia, Trump’s former nominee and current White House liaison for the Department of Homeland Security, withdrew last week from his Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs confirmation hearing. On Monday, Ingassia revealed his lawsuit in a post on X.
“ANNOUNCEMENT: I have just filed a $150,000,000 defamation lawsuit against Politico and Daniel Lippman,” Ingrassia said in his post.
“Very proud of all the hard work done by my absolutely incredible legal team – the Truth will finally come out, and Justice will be served!” he added.
“Today in Virginia, we filed a landmark, powerful, and necessary $150,000,000 defamation lawsuit on behalf of Paul J. Ingrassia against Defendants Politico and Daniel Lippman. Our suit arises out of the following article: Daniel Lippman, Key Trump nominee accused of sexual harassment, POLITICO (Oct. 9, 2025), https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/09/ingrassia-trump-harassment-dhs-00596545. Paul has never sexually harassed anyone — full stop. This is a historic first step on Paul’s road to complete vindication.”
Ingrassia was forced to withdraw after three senators raised concerns about the leaked text messages reported by Politico. In one text message, he allegedly admitted he had a “Nazi streak.” In another, he allegedly called for ending the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ingrassia has not confirmed the authenticity of the messages. Edward Andrew Paltzik, his legal counsel, suggested they could have been altered or taken out of context, stipulating that even if legitimate, the messages were “self-deprecating and satirical humor.”
“Looks like these texts could be manipulated or are being provided with material context omitted,” said Paltzik. “However, arguendo, even if the texts are authentic, they clearly read as self-deprecating and satirical humor making fun of the fact that liberals outlandishly and routinely call MAGA supporters ‘Nazis.’”
“In this age of AI, authentication of allegedly leaked messages, which could be outright falsehoods, doctored, or manipulated, or lacking critical context, is extremely difficult,” added Paltzik. “What is certain, though, is that there are individuals who cloak themselves in anonymity while executing their underhanded personal agendas to harm Mr. Ingrassia at all costs. We do not concede the authenticity of any of these purported messages.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urged the president to withdraw his nominee after the text messages were revealed. He warned that Ingrassia did not have the votes for approval.
“He’s not gonna pass,” Thune said at the time.
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