Politico published more than 28,000 leaked Telegram messages revealing how New York State Young Republicans leaders talked with peers in other states about consolidating influence inside the Young Republican National Federation. The logs captured chair Peter Giunta, former staffer Joseph Maligno, and other organizers trading racist slurs, fantasizing about gas chambers, and invoking “I love Hitler” while strategizing over internal party elections.【d17517†L8-L54】【9a0b81†L1-L17】

The exposé immediately disrupted New York Republican politics. Staten Island Assemblymember Mike Reilly dismissed Giunta as his chief of staff after the story ran, while New York’s court system confirmed Maligno no longer worked for Judge Mary Kavanagh. Rep. Elise Stefanik and state GOP leaders denounced the chat as “heinous” and urged anyone responsible to step down, even as Giunta alleged rival factions had doctored the logs amid an intraparty struggle.【9a0b81†L1-L17】【d17517†L31-L87】

The leaks highlighted how encrypted messaging apps have become organizing hubs for youth political clubs, enabling rapid coordination while allowing rhetoric that contrasts sharply with public messaging. The Telegram transcripts documented cross-state campaign plotting, digital fundraising chatter, and allegations of financial mismanagement inside the New York State Young Republicans, underscoring how internal communications can instantly become national controversies when exposed.【d17517†L24-L109】