NEW YORK — A Gala of Contradictions
Two months after key figures in a national Young Republican organization were unmasked for their involvement in a hate-fueled private group chat, the New York chapter has evidently thrown open its doors to a diverse array of guests—though “diverse” might be a generous term.
Set against the opulence of Cipriani Wall Street, amidst an ocean of tuxedos and ball gowns, one could find the notorious white nationalist leader Jared Taylor. In a not-so-distant corner was EmpathChan, an influencer who recently gained notoriety for donning blackface on Halloween. And gracing the stage was Markus Frohnmaier, a far-right German politician from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, whose presence was applauded with a German-language phrase that echoes Nazi rhetoric. At least nineteen other AfD members joined him, adding to the event’s colorful tapestry.
Among the attendees was Vish Burra, a club member who lost his position at the conservative One America News Network last month after sharing a video that depicted Jews as cockroaches. This gathering, just eight weeks after the statewide Young Republican chapter was disbanded by the New York State GOP, showcased how a Young Republican organization can still throw a memorable bash—albeit one steeped in controversy.
The club’s 113th annual gala unfolded in the shadow of the racist and antisemitic “I love Hitler” chat scandal, as the GOP grapples with the ever-pressing question: Is there room for anti-Jewish sentiment within its ranks?
As the evening progressed, it became a window into the soul of the party’s youth wing. Events took an unexpected turn when a club member struck an attendee outside on the sidewalk. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was endorsed for a third term, and a protester adorned with a Nazi armband attempted to disrupt the proceedings by exclaiming, “I guess we’re all Nazis!”—a comment that, while shocking, seemed eerily fitting given the company present.
The sold-out gala kicked off with Cipriani’s famed bellini cocktails, and entertainment was provided by Zoltán Mága, a Hungarian violinist whose last name inspired chuckles among the GOP elite, all while guests indulged in a six-course meal featuring baked tagliolini with mushrooms and prime rib.
Outside, Democratic state senators, assembly members, and city council members gathered to protest the event, led by the Manhattan Young Democrats.
“The people that are in that room were calling folks like me watermelon people,” stated Assemblymember Jordan Wright, who is Black, referring to the derogatory language uncovered in the earlier chats. “They were being racist, they were being homophobic, they were idolizing Hitler.”
In the aftermath of the controversial chat revelations, which involved several Young Republican leaders nationwide, at least seven individuals lost their jobs, including a Vermont state lawmaker who resigned. Some members of the chat issued apologies, shifting the blame to the rival city group that exposed their conversations.
As the night wore on, white nationalist Nick Fuentes—having been banned from entering—was seen lingering outside the venue. His presence there only underscored the event’s chaotic atmosphere.
“This is the worst event they’ve ever thrown,” lamented the club’s press chairman, Lucian Wintrich, as he spoke to reporters confined to a distant press area, expressing frustration that his carefully curated guest list had been relegated to the sidelines.
Notably absent from the festivities were five GOP elected officials—one congressman among them—who had been advertised as attendees. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), who was expected to attend according to an October email, failed to make an appearance, and his office did not respond to inquiries.
New York City GOP Council Member Inna Vernikov, previously celebrated at last year’s gala for her Israeli-flag-themed gown, also skipped the event, despite being promoted as an “honored guest.” Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, along with City Council Members David Carr and Frank Morano, were similarly unaccounted for, raising eyebrows regarding their commitments.
From the podium, the speakers increasingly veered into anti-immigrant territory. “If dubiously elected or rather naturalized illegal immigrants are polluting our politics, the new right must have the courage to deport them,” declared Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), referencing his call to deport Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in a bid to “resurrect our nation.”
Club President Stefano Forte addressed the crowd, declaring, “We all know who the enemy is,” referencing various perceived threats, including media portrayals and immigration issues.
The following day, in light of the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, Vernikov issued a scathing message to her fellow Republicans, seemingly in response to her absence from the gala. “For years, antisemitic rhetoric has dominated THE LEFT and has fully infiltrated the Democratic Party,” she wrote on X, asserting that such vitriol has now seeped into the conservative movement. “Lunatics like Nick Fuentes, Candace Owens, and Tucker Carlson, who spout bigoted, racist, and antisemitic rhetoric, should be condemned and excommunicated from the Republican Party never to be welcomed again.”
Meanwhile, the club had a markedly different take on the incidents, which they later deleted from their social media after POLITICO began making inquiries. “The horrific terror attack in Australia last night is more evidence that Remigration is the only path forward for Western countries,” they had stated. “America, Germany, Australia, and the rest of Europe must implement Remigration or more shootings like this will be inevitable.”
Pauline von Pezold contributed to this report.
A version of this article first appeared in POLITICO’s New York Playbook. Subscribe here.
