Trump's pick to lead the OSC withdraws his nomination after text controversy

President Donald Trump's controversial pick to lead the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), Paul Ingrassia, formally withdrew his own nomination on Tuesday after he learned he would not have the necessary support to get confirmed.

Ingrassia's path toward getting the post blew up after the publication of racist text messages that were allegedly sent by him to a group chat. 

The texts allegedly included Ingrassia saying he has “a Nazi streak,” and arguing that Martin Luther King Jr. Day “should be ended and tossed into the seventh circle of hell where it belongs.”

"I will be withdrawing myself from Thursday’s [Senate Homeland Security Committee] hearing to lead the Office of Special Counsel because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time," he posted on X. "I appreciate the overwhelming support that I have received throughout this process and will continue to serve President Trump and this administration to Make America Great Again!"

The withdrawal comes after Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed earlier Tuesday that Ingrassia does not have the numbers to get confirmed after Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott said on Monday he would not support the nomination.

If all the Democrats on the committee opposed Ingrassia, and Scott joined them, then his nomination would be blocked.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.