Paul Ingrassia ~ Trump’s Latest Fascist Nomination
Ingrassia's nomination to the Office of Special Counsel, a position critical for protecting whistleblowers and upholding government integrity, has been widely criticised. Critics argue that this appointment is a dangerous move designed to bolster the authoritarian aspect of Trump's presidency, given Ingrassia's documented loyalty to Donald Trump over the Constitution, his calls for imposing martial law and his close associations with antisemitic extremists.
This article provides a comprehensive profile of Paul J. Ingrassia, an American attorney and political commentator, with a particular focus on his associations and contacts within right-wing and extremist circles. It details the evolution of his political ideology and, crucially, examines the nature and extent of his ties to individuals and groups identified as right-wing or fascist.
Central to this examination are Ingrassia's connections to prominent extremist figures and movements. He has been observed attending rallies led by Nick Fuentes, a recognised Holocaust denier and white nationalist, and has publicly defended Fuentes as a "dissident voice". Furthermore, Ingrassia has provided legal representation to Andrew Tate, a controversial "manosphere" influencer, misogynist and antisemitic, and has praised Tate in public. His involvement also extends to the Patriot Freedom Project, a group advocating for individuals charged in connection with the January 6th Capitol attack, where he has downplayed the severity of the events. He is a known associate of Nazi sympathisers. These associations collectively highlight a pattern of engagement with individuals and organisations at the fringes of mainstream conservatism, contributing to the normalisation of extremist narratives.
Paul Ingrassia ~ Fascist Beginnings
Education and Early Career Foundations
Paul J. Ingrassia, born on May 13, 1995, commenced his academic journey at Fordham University, where he earned a degree in mathematics and economics. He subsequently pursued legal studies at Cornell Law School, graduating in May 2022. During his time at Cornell, he held the position of senior online editor for theCornell Journal of Law and Public Policy.
While still in law school, Ingrassia began to establish his presence in conservative media. His early writings appeared in publications such as National Review, Human Events, The Daily Caller, The Gateway Pundit, American Greatness and The American Conservative. He was also recognised twice as a fellow at the Claremont Institute, an organisation that is blatantly authoritarian. Ingrassia gained initial government experience through an internship at the White House during Donald Trump's first presidency. From 2018 to 2020, he co-hosted a podcast titled Right on Point with his sister, Olivia Ingrassia, which explicitly supported the "timeless ideas" of conservative writers like William F. Buckley Jr. and Russell Kirk. He is affiliated with the New York Young Republicans and, by 2024, was leading communications at the National Constitutional Law Union, an organization he described as a counter-firm to the American Civil Liberties Union. Ingrassia also established a Substack page, which has been cited by Donald Trump on multiple occasions.
Legal Practice and Notable Engagements
Ingrassia's legal career began with a tenure at Kasowitz Benson Torres from 2021 to 2023. For several months in 2023, he served as a clerk for Joseph D. McBride's law firm, where he represented clients accused of involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack. Notably, he also provided legal representation to Andrew Tate in his legal affairs. In July 2024, Ingrassia was registered as an attorney in New York.
Government Service and Appointments
In January 2025, Ingrassia was appointed as the Trump administration's liaison to the Department of Justice by Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general. During this period, he was present for the release of pardoned January 6 Capitol attack defendants from the D.C. Jail. His brief tenure at the Department of Justice was characterised by efforts to identify candidates loyal to Trump, including advocating for the dismissal of employees who had worked for former attorneys general Merrick Garland or William Barr. Following a dispute with Chad Mizelle, Attorney General Pam Bondi's chief of staff, Ingrassia was dismissed from his DOJ role after mere weeks. He was subsequently reassigned to the Department of Homeland Security in February 2025, serving as the White House liaison.
On May 29, 2025, Donald Trump nominated Paul Ingrassia to be the Special Counsel of the United States, succeeding Hampton Dellinger. Trump announced the nomination on social media, describing Ingrassia as an "attorney, writer and Constitutional Scholar" sic.
Ingrassia's swift progression from a recent law school graduate in May 2022 to a White House liaison in January 2025, and subsequently a Special Counsel nominee in May 2025, suggests a prioritisation of political loyalty and ideological alignment over extensive traditional experience within certain administrations. This rapid ascent, particularly for someone with no government experience and who graduated from law school only three years ago, indicates that his career trajectory is less about conventional merit and more about his political alignment and perceived ideological purity. His consistent writing for fascist outlets and his fellowships at the Claremont Institute from the outset of his career further underscore a deliberate cultivation of a specific ideological profile, which appears to be highly valued within this particular political ecosystem.
Political Ideology and Public Discourse
Early Conservative Writings and Organisational Affiliations
Ingrassia’s initial contributions to publications such as National Review, Human Events, and The Daily Caller show an early alignment with mainstream conservative thought. His co-hosting of the Right on Point podcast, which explicitly supported the "timeless ideas" of conservative figures like William F. Buckley Jr. and Russell Kirk , further solidifies this early extreme right wing foundation. His multiple fellowships at the Claremont Institute show a deep engagement with a more ideologically rigid and influential conservative think tank.
Evolution of Political Views: Constitutionalism, January 6th and Deep State Narratives
Ingrassia's ideological trajectory demonstrates a clear shift from his early affiliations with mainstream conservative thought towards increasingly radicalised positions aligned with the far-right. This evolution is marked by the adoption of pervasive conspiracy theories, anti-democratic rhetoric and explicit nativist and racist views.
A recurring theme in Ingrassia's public persona is his pronounced loyalty to Donald Trump. He was dismissed from his Department of Justice role after advocating for the removal of non-loyalist staff and identifying candidates loyal to Trump. He is described as "blindly loyal to the President" a view deemed "utterly disqualifying for any position of public trust". His Substack page has been cited by Trump on multiple occasions, including a false claim by Ingrassia that Nikki Haley was ineligible to serve as president, which Trump subsequently repeated.
Ingrassia has consistently downplayed the severity of the January 6th Capitol attack. He supported the Patriot Freedom Project, a group advocating for January 6th defendants. At a Patriot Freedom Project fundraiser in January 2024, he stated that "The tragedy of Jan. 6, 2021, was not that it was an attack on our democracy, let alone an insurrection. But rather, it was an opportunity for the deep state to finally remove its mask and begin prosecuting and jailing innocent American citizens". He has advocated for not only presidential pardons for those involved but also for $1 million per family in reparations to those who "beat police officers and attacked the Capitol". Furthermore, he urged Congress to make January 6th a national holiday to commemorate the day "as a peaceful protest against a great injustice affecting our electoral system". He also called for President Trump to "expressly name, in a public proclamation, any judge and prosecutor involved in the J6 scam and call on them to resign from their offices, and pressure Congress to undertake impeachment proceedings against them if they do not cooperate".
Ingrassia has also propagated conspiracy theories, suggesting that the FBI knows the identity of the person who left pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., before January 6th, calling it the "biggest scandal in FBI history" and arguing it was "an inside job" or the work of an "anti-Trump lunatic" the FBI was protecting. In 2020, he called for martial law to overturn a free and fair democratic election, an "authoritarian impulse that alone should disqualify him from any position of public trust" according to critics. His nomination is part of a "broader effort by this Administration to impose ideological purity tests". He has consistently argued that the political left represents an "existential threat" to the country, calling it a "clear and present danger to your public safety" and "evil".
This progression from traditional conservative roots to a fascist stance is evident in his embrace of narratives that frame political opposition as an existential threat and democratic processes as subject to "deep state" manipulation. Such views are characteristic of far-right extremism, indicating a significant ideological shift or a strategic alignment with the most fervent elements of the conservative base to gain prominence.
Ingrassia's dismissal from his Department of Justice role for advocating for the removal of non-loyalist staff and his subsequent nomination for Special Counsel despite his limited experience and controversial views show that ideological alignment and unwavering loyalty to a specific political figure, Donald Trump, are paramount qualifications for high-level appointments in certain administrations. This practice undermines the principles of meritocracy, non-partisanship and constitutional fidelity typically expected in government service. The direct causal link between his actions, such as attempting to purge non-loyalists and his continued career progression, despite his controversial views and limited experience, points to a system where loyalty and ideological alignment are valued above conventional qualifications, with significant implications for the independence and integrity of federal agencies.
Views on Immigration, Demographics and Western Civilization
Ingrassia is preoccupied with the perceived decline of Western civilization, which he attributes specifically to immigration and a declining white population. He has characterised both American immigration policies and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as "suicidal".
His social media posts reveal nativist and racist sentiments. In July 2024, he posted on X: "God forbid we ever enact policies to protect the native population whites, whose birth rates are far below replacement levels". In June 2024, he posted: "Biden’s open borders are destroying our Great American Women! And that is by design: replace every last American with a terrorist infiltrator or gang member from the Third World". This rhetoric aligns with the "great replacement" conspiracy theory, which he further detailed in a co-authored book arguing that the Democratic Party's immigration policy is a "systematic effort to reshape the demographics of the American electorate for the benefit" of the party.
He has also downplayed anti-Black racism, arguing that it "pales in comparison" to the hardships white people, especially men, face today.1 He stated in December 2023 that "Arguably reverse racism against European and Christian culture is far, far more insidious than any other kind of 'racism'". He further posted in December 2023: "Exceptional white men are not only the builders of Western civilization but are the ones most capable of appreciating the fruits of our heritage and are conversely hurt the most, at a spiritual level, by its destruction".1
Deep Dive into Right-Wing and Extremist Associations
Nick Fuentes and the White Nationalist Movement
Ingrassia has been documented attending a June 2024 rally in Detroit led by Nick Fuentes, who is widely recognized as a "Holocaust denier and white nationalist". Livestream footage from the event shows Ingrassia approaching Fuentes, smiling, as Fuentes' supporters chanted, "We want Nick!". Ingrassia reportedly stayed for approximately 20 minutes. During the rally, a supporter yelled "I freaking love Hitler" and Fuentes himself made antisemitic remarks, stating, "The truth is, between people like Henry Ford or Kanye West or Donald Trump in 2015, there was nothing more patriotic than calling for the independence of the United States from the Jewish mafia and the state of Israel".
Ingrassia has publicly expressed support for figures like Fuentes. On social media, he wrote that "dissident voices" like Fuentes belong in conservative politics. He also authored a Substack post titled “Free Nick Fuentes,” criticising the platform X for banning Fuentes over hate speech. In a tweet from April 15, 2023, Ingrassia suggested that someone should get Elon Musk’s attention to reinstate Fuentes’ and Ye’s (Kanye West's) accounts, adding that “clear and specific reasons detailing why these accounts remain banned should be given”. These actions show a degree of ideological sympathy or, at minimum, a defence of Fuentes' right to platform, despite his documented extremist views.
In response to inquiries, Ingrassia maintained that he unintentionally attended the Fuentes rally, stating, "I had no knowledge of who organized the event, observed for 5-10 minutes, then left." He also told NPR, "This narrative you're trying to attach to me that I'm some sort of extremist is lacking in all credibility". However, he did not respond to questions about his stance on Fuentes’ antisemitic rhetoric.
Andrew Tate and the "Manosphere"
In 2023, Ingrassia worked on the legal team of Andrew Tate, a controversial "manosphere" influencer. He represented Andrew and his brother Tristan Tate in a defamation lawsuit against a woman who accused them of human trafficking. The Tate brothers currently face criminal charges in Romania, including human trafficking, trafficking of minors, and rape.
Ingrassia has repeatedly praised Tate. The top of Ingrassia’s Instagram page features a pinned photo of himself with Andrew Tate, with a caption reading: “The Tate brothers provide an opportunity for a better future one that inspires, rather than degrades, men”. He has publicly lauded Tate as “an extraordinary human being” and “the embodiment of the ancient ideal of excellence”.1
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) states that Tate “has leaned heavily into unabashedly antisemitic rhetoric, perpetuating Holocaust revisionism, spreading conspiracy theories about Israel, praising Hamas, performing Nazi salutes and encouraging people to embrace and openly engage in racism”. Tate describes himself as a “misogynist” and has publicly stated, "The western mess is all women’s fault. All of it. There isn’t a single issue I can’t pin on women." He has also described how he would physically assault a woman if she accused him of cheating.
In a Substack post co-authored with another Tate lawyer, Joseph D. McBride, Ingrassia downplayed the horrors of historical slavery while praising the Tates. They wrote that the "slavery" of propaganda, digital serfdom and "chemical and institutional castration" is "arguably more insidious than anything found in the past".1 This comparison has been widely criticised for trivialising the historical experience of slavery.
Patriot Freedom Project and January 6th Advocacy
Ingrassia has actively supported the Patriot Freedom Project, a group that advocates for individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. At a Patriot Freedom Project fundraiser in January 2024, Ingrassia made controversial statements regarding the January 6th events. He asserted: “The tragedy of Jan. 6, 2021, was not that it was an attack on our democracy, let alone an insurrection. But rather, it was an opportunity for the deep state to finally remove its mask and begin prosecuting and jailing innocent American citizens like Tim, like so many of the people here today”.
The "Tim" Ingrassia referenced is Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, a convicted January 6th participant described by federal prosecutors as a "Nazi sympathizer" who made antisemitic remarks. Ingrassia, in response to NPR, stated: "I denounce any hateful or incendiary remark Mr. Hale made. But my advocacy for J6ers is not based on any particular remark, but on the principle that all Americans are entitled to due process and free speech". Notably, Ingrassia received an award immediately after Martin praised Hale-Cusanelli as an "extraordinary man" and "extraordinary leader" at a gathering in August 2024.
Ingrassia's consistent and documented associations with figures like Nick Fuentes and Andrew Tate, coupled with his public defence, glorification or rhetorical alignment with their views, contribute significantly to the normalisation of extremist ideologies within a broader conservative discourse. His efforts to reframe the January 6th attack as a "peaceful protest" or a "deep state" operation further demonstrate an active role in legitimising actions and narratives typically associated with extremist groups, thereby blurring the lines between mainstream conservatism and dangerous fringe ideologies. The cumulative effect of his presence at a Fuentes rally, his public defence of Fuentes as a "dissident voice," his "Free Nick Fuentes" Substack post, his legal representation and effusive praise for Andrew Tate despite Tate's documented misogynistic and antisemitic views and his reinterpretation of January 6th, is to make these ideologies more palatable or acceptable to a wider audience, thus normalising extremism.
Ingrassia frequently employs the rhetoric of "free speech" and "due process" when defending his associations with controversial figures or his advocacy for January 6th defendants. This is a strategic, deceptive and hollow rhetorical device designed to deflect criticism and legitimise engagement with extremist elements, rather than a consistent or genuine commitment to these principles across all contexts. When questioned about his association with Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, Ingrassia explicitly stated that his advocacy for January 6th defendants is based on "due process and free speech," not on Hale's specific remarks. He also advocated for the reinstatement of Nick Fuentes' X account, arguing for "clear and specific reasons" for bans. While free speech and due process are fundamental rights, their selective invocation in the context of defending individuals known for promoting hate speech or engaging in actions against democratic institutions suggests a calculated use of these principles as a shield, potentially obscuring underlying ideological alignment or providing a veneer of legitimacy for controversial associations.
The evidence reveals a significant overlap in Ingrassia's affiliations, demonstrating connections between the "manosphere" (Andrew Tate), white nationalist/antisemitic figures (Nick Fuentes) and the January 6th advocacy movement (Patriot Freedom Project). This shows a broader, interconnected ecosystem of far-right and extremist movements, where individuals and ideologies are not siloed but rather flow between seemingly disparate fringes, often sharing common anti-establishment, anti-immigrant, anti-democratic, anti-feminist and frequently antisemitic ideological underpinnings. Ingrassia's engagement spans multiple, distinct extremist domains, indicating that these movements are not entirely separate but rather share common ideological foundations and may actively support each other's causes. This points to a more complex, networked landscape of extremism where individuals can bridge different factions.
Key Extremist Associations and Nature of Contact
Controversies, Denials and Public Scrutiny
Responses to Allegations of Extremism
Ingrassia has consistently denied being an extremist, stating to NPR, "This narrative you're trying to attach to me that I'm some sort of extremist is lacking in all credibility". Regarding his attendance at the Nick Fuentes rally, Ingrassia claimed it was unintentional: "I had no knowledge of who organized the event, observed for 5-10 minutes, then left". This assertion is contradicted by reports that he stayed for approximately 20 minutes and was seen approaching Fuentes smiling. While defending his advocacy for January 6th defendants, Ingrassia stated, "I denounce any hateful or incendiary remark Mr. Hale made. But my advocacy for J6ers is not based on any particular remark, but on the principle that all Americans are entitled to due process and free speech". He notably did not respond to questions from NPR about his stance on Fuentes’ antisemitic rhetoric or Andrew Tate’s antisemitic commentary.
Ingrassia's blanket denial of being an "extremist" and his claims of unintentional attendance at extremist rallies directly contradict the extensive documented evidence of his associations and public statements. His assertion that the "narrative you're trying to attach to me that I'm some sort of extremist is lacking in all credibility" stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming evidence presented: his attendance at a Fuentes rally, his praise for Tate, his promotion of the "great replacement" theory and his calls for martial law. Furthermore, his specific denial about the Fuentes rally (unintentional, 5-10 mins, then left) is directly contradicted by details that he approached Fuentes smiling and stayed for 20 minutes. This stark discrepancy between his denials and the documented facts suggests a deliberate attempt to manage public perception and deflect criticism, while simultaneously continuing to engage with and promote narratives aligned with extremist ideologies. Such denials are not necessarily aimed at convincing objective observers but rather at providing political cover or reinforcing a specific viewpoint for a loyal base.
Dismissal from Department of Justice Role and Subsequent Reassignment
Ingrassia was dismissed from his role as White House liaison to the Department of Justice after a matter of weeks. This dismissal followed a dispute with Chad Mizelle, Attorney General Pam Bondi's chief of staff. His brief tenure at the DOJ was characterised by efforts to identify candidates loyal to Trump and advocate for the dismissal of employees who had worked for former attorneys general Merrick Garland or William Barr.
Despite this dismissal, Ingrassia was quickly reassigned to a similar role as the White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security in February 2025. This pattern of dismissal from a Department of Justice role due to internal conflict and his controversial approach to staffing, followed by his swift reassignment to another White House liaison position (DHS) and subsequent nomination to Special Counsel, suggests a pattern of resilience within a specific political patronage system. This indicates that even controversial actions or dismissals do not necessarily impede career progression if an individual maintains strong ideological alignment and loyalty to key political figures. The rapid sequence of events suggests that the initial dismissal was not a career-ending setback but rather a lateral move or even a stepping stone within a system that values his specific brand of loyalty and ideological commitment, even if it causes friction in traditional bureaucratic settings.
Congressional Concerns Regarding His Nominations
Ingrassia's nomination to be Special Counsel of the United States has drawn significant criticism and scrutiny from congressional members. His nomination was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on June 16, 2025. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, including Representatives Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin, sent a letter protesting his nomination.
Their concerns include his "loyalty to Donald Trump over the Constitution" his calls for imposing martial law, his celebration of "violent January 6th insurrectionists" and his "close associations with antisemitic extremists". The letter asserts that Ingrassia lacks the "temperament, experience and fundamental constitutional fidelity" required for the role, deeming him "unfit to serve as special counsel" and his nomination "insulting to the American people". Critics argue that his nomination is part of a "broader effort by this Administration to impose ideological purity tests in which devotion to one individual matters more than fidelity to the Constitution and to the American people".nThey contend that if confirmed, Ingrassia would "treat treasonous, secessionist rhetoric as acceptable political discourse; reward extremism instead of condemning it; and work to tear down, not build up, the democratic institutions we have sworn to protect".
Chronology of Controversial Statements and Actions
Joseph Goebbles Vs Paul Ingrassia
Shared Ideological Underpinnings
Both figures demonstrate a profound contempt for democratic principles and a strong inclination towards authoritarianism. Goebbels openly expressed his disdain for the Weimar Republic, stating that the Nazis intended to use democratic processes as a means to dismantle democracy itself. His ultimate goal was to achieve universal support for the Nazi Party, creating an illusion of total national unity. His relentless push for "total war" measures, including the conscription of women and the closure of non-essential businesses, was aimed at centralising power and fully mobilising the populace. Similarly, Ingrassia has called for "martial law to overturn a free and fair democratic election" and advocated for the purging of judges and prosecutors involved in investigations that challenge his political alignment. His nomination for public office is part of a concerted effort to "consolidate unchecked power" and impose "ideological purity tests" where "devotion to one individual matters more than fidelity to the Constitution".
A core commonality is their commitment to racial or cultural purity and nativism. Goebbels was virulently antisemitic, advocating for the "extermination of the Jews" whom he perceived as a "destructive force" within German society. He actively promoted their removal from German cultural and economic life. Ingrassia exhibits overt racism, notably in his suggestion that "descendants of slaves should be paying slave owners reparations". He expresses a deep concern for the "decline of Western civilization" attributed to immigration, particularly from non-white countries, and advocates for policies to "protect the native population whites". He even argues that "reverse racism against European and Christian culture is far, far more insidious than any other kind of 'racism'". A
The creation of external and internal "enemies" is a fundamental tactic shared by both fascists. Goebbels characterised political opposition as "November criminals," "Jewish wire-pullers” or a "communist threat". He depicted "Bolshevist Jewry" as the primary adversary of Germany and dehumanised Russian troops as "beasts and killers". Ingrassia consistently argues that "the left represents an existential threat to the country," labeling it a "clear and present danger" and "evil".9 He also characterises immigrants as "terrorist infiltrator[s] or gang member[s] from the Third World".
Propaganda and Manipulation Tactics
The exploitation and control of media are central to the strategies of Goebbles and Ingrassia. Goebbels exercised absolute control over all forms of media: radio, film, press and posters through the Reich Ministry of Propaganda. He famously used the repetition of "big lies" to manipulate public opinion. Ingrassia, in contrast, leverages contemporary digital media, including social media platforms like X, Substack and podcasts, to disseminate his views. His writings are published in various outlets and his Substack has been cited by a major political figure, demonstrating his ability to influence narratives in the modern information environment.
Both rely heavily on emotional appeals and the exploitation of irrationality. Goebbels inflamed German anger over their defeat in World War I and emphasised national pride.He used dehumanizing language to provoke fear and hatred , aiming to make people "succumb... utterly" to an idea. Ingrassia employs emotionally charged language, exemplified by statements such as "Biden's open borders are destroying our Great American Women!". He taps into fears of societal decline and cultural replacement.
The spreading of falsehoods and conspiracy theories is another shared characteristic. Goebbels fabricated narratives, such as describing the invasion of the Soviet Union as a "European crusade against Bolshevism" and claiming that the war had been "forced on the German people". He even staged elaborate deceptions, like erecting "fake shops and cafés" to falsely imply that Jews lived in comfort. Ingrassia promotes conspiracy theories, including the assertion that the January 6 Capitol attack was an "inside job" and that the FBI is withholding information about pipe bombs. He has also made false claims, such as questioning Nikki Haley's eligibility for the presidency.
This comparison reveals a significant evolution in the concept of "total war." Goebbels' "total war" involved the physical mobilisation of the entire German populace, including the conscription of women and the closure of non-essential businesses to support the war effort. While Ingrassia does not command armies, his rhetoric, which frames "the left" as an "existential threat" and calls for purges of federal workers, represents a form of "total war" waged in the information and political spheres. This signifies a shift from physical mobilisation against an external, identifiable enemy to an internal ideological struggle where a segment of one's own society is deemed the "enemy" and the "war" is fought through narrative control and the capture of institutions.
Cult of Personality and Loyalty
The cultivation of a cult of personality and the demand for unwavering loyalty are central to the power structures of both men. Goebbels masterfully "sold Hitler to the German public," meticulously orchestrating a "pseudo-religious cult of the Fuhrer". He ensured Hitler's speeches and image were amplified across Germany through hundreds of thousands of posters. Goebbels himself remained Hitler's "most loyal follower" until the very end. Ingrassia is described by critics as "blindly loyal" to Trump, with arguments that his nomination for the Office of Special Counsel is driven by "devotion to one individual" rather than adherence to constitutional principles. His Substack posts being cited by Trump further indicates a close relationship and a shared narrative. Let’s ask the question, “When Trump eventually falls, will Ingrassia follow the model of Goebbles?”
The cultivation of a cult of personality and the demand for unwavering loyalty are central to the power structures of all three. Goebbels masterfully "sold Hitler to the German public," meticulously orchestrating a "pseudo-religious cult of the Fuhrer".13 He ensured Hitler's speeches and image were amplified across Germany through hundreds of thousands of posters.2 Goebbels himself remained Hitler's "most loyal follower" until the very end.13 Ingrassia is described by critics as "blindly loyal" to Trump, with arguments that his nomination for the Office of Special Counsel is driven by "devotion to one individual" rather than adherence to constitutional principles.6 His Substack posts being cited by Trump further indicates a close relationship and a shared narrative.8 As the supreme leader of a totalitarian regime, Adam Susan (Sutler) would demand and enforce absolute loyalty from his populace, mirroring the intense cult of personality that Goebbels meticulously crafted around Hitler.
Impact and Consequences
The impact of these figures' actions and rhetoric is profound, though manifested differently across their respective contexts. Goebbels' propaganda played a crucial role in enabling the Holocaust and other Nazi atrocities. His policies, particularly the push for "total war," prolonged the conflict and led to immense suffering. Ingrassia's rhetoric contributes to the normalization of extremist views, the erosion of democratic institutions and the potential for policy changes that undermine civil liberties and the rule of law, particularly through his proposed role in the Office of Special Counsel. 5
A consistent and alarming pattern across these historical, contemporary figures is the enduring power of dehumanisation as a precursor to various forms of harm. Goebbels' propaganda systematically dehumanised Jews and other minorities, which directly paved the way for physical atrocities, including the Holocaust. Ingrassia's rhetoric dehumanises immigrants by labeling them "terrorist infiltrator[s] or gang member[s]" and characterises political opponents as "evil" and an "existential threat". This serves as a stark reminder that rhetorical violence often precedes and enables other forms of harm.
Conclusion
Paul J. Ingrassia's profile reveals a rapid ascent within specific political circles, marked by a consistent and deepening engagement with right-wing and extremist ideologies. His trajectory from a recent law school graduate to a high-level nominee within the Trump administration underscores a system where ideological alignment and unwavering loyalty appear to be paramount qualifications, often overriding conventional experience or professional conduct.
The analysis clearly demonstrates Ingrassia's significant ties to figures and movements associated with extremism leading to fascism. His documented presence at Nick Fuentes' rallies, his public defence of Fuentes and his advocacy for the reinstatement of Fuentes' social media accounts indicate a clear ideological sympathy or a strategic willingness to legitimise white nationalist and antisemitic voices. Similarly, his legal representation and effusive glorification of Andrew Tate, despite Tate's documented misogynistic and antisemitic rhetoric, further embed Ingrassia within the "manosphere" and its problematic ideologies. His active support for the Patriot Freedom Project and his controversial reinterpretation of the January 6th Capitol attack as a "deep state" operation, including his association with a "Nazi sympathizer," align him with narratives that seek to undermine democratic institutions and legitimise politically motivated violence.
These associations are not isolated instances but rather suggest an interconnected ecosystem of far-right and extremist movements, where individuals like Ingrassia bridge seemingly disparate fringes, often sharing common anti-establishment, anti-immigrant, anti-democratic, anti-feminist and frequently antisemitic ideological underpinnings. Ingrassia's denials of being an "extremist" or his claims of unintentional attendance at extremist events stand in stark contrast to the extensive documented evidence of his actions and public statements, suggesting a strategic effort to manage public perception rather than a genuine refutation of his ideological leanings.
The congressional scrutiny and concerns surrounding his nomination to the Office of Special Counsel highlight the significant implications of his views and associations for public service and democratic institutions. Critics contend that his appointment would compromise the integrity of federal agencies, normalise extremist rhetoric and prioritise loyalty to an individual over fidelity to the Constitution. In sum, Paul Ingrassia's profile is characterised by a consistent and public embrace of, and advocacy for, individuals and narratives firmly situated within the spectrum of right-wing extremism, raising fundamental questions about his suitability for positions of public trust.
References
Congress.gov (2025) PN345-9 - Nomination of Paul Ingrassia for Office of Special Counsel, 119th Congress (2025-2026), https://www.congress.gov/nomination/119th-congress/345/9
House Oversight Committee Democrats (2025) Letter to Senators Paul and Peters regarding OSC nominee Ingrassia, https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/democrats-oversight.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2025-06-26-garcia-raskin-to-paul-and-peters-re-osc-nominee-ingrassia.pdf
OPB (2025) Multiple Trump officials have links to antisemitic extremists, https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/14/multiple-trump-officials-have-links-to-antisemitic-extremists/
Southern Poverty Law Center (2025) Bigoted Beliefs Racist Ties Among More Trump Administration Personnel, https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/bigoted-beliefs-racist-ties-among-more-trump-administration-personnel/
The Independent (no date) Trump taps 30-year-old with little government experience and links to Holocaust denier to lead federal agency, Available at: https://news.yahoo.com/conservative-arizona-supreme-court-justice-120103878.html (Accessed: 3 July 2025).
Wikipedia (2025) Paul Ingrassia (lawyer), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Ingrassia_(lawyer
Works cited
Bigoted beliefs and racist ties found among more Trump ..., https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/bigoted-beliefs-racist-ties-among-more-trump-administration-personnel/
June 26, 2025 The Honorable Rand Paul Chairman Senate ..., https://oversightdemocrats.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/democrats-oversight.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2025-06-26-garcia-raskin-to-paul-and-peters-re-osc-nominee-ingrassia.pdf
Multiple Trump White House officials have ties to antisemitic ... - OPB, https://www.opb.org/article/2025/05/14/multiple-trump-officials-have-links-to-antisemitic-extremists/
PN345-9 - Nomination of Paul Ingrassia for Office of Special Counsel, 119th Congress (2025-2026), https://www.congress.gov/nomination/119th-congress/345/9
Conservative Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick has a warning for America, accessed on July 3, 2025, https://news.yahoo.com/conservative-arizona-supreme-court-justice-120103878.html
Author Michael Jones
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