STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After the release of alleged comments made in a text thread among some of the nation’s top young GOP leaders, including at least three Staten Islanders, the Richmond County Republican Party condemned the alleged hate speech in the chat.
The text thread, exposed by Politico, included references to Hitler, gas chambers, and discriminatory remarks targeting various groups.
“The Richmond County Republican Party is appalled and unequivocally condemns the vile, hateful rhetoric recently reported by Politico. It is shocking and incredibly disappointing that this disgusting discourse could have been happening,” said Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, Richmond County Republican Party chairperson.
“The alleged comments are a moral disgrace. As I have said many times, hate has no place anywhere, especially in our borough and in our party. This type of behavior will not be tolerated,” he added.
Peter Giunta from NY State Assemblyman Mike Reilly’s Office speaks at the Community Board 3 meeting held at the Stolzenthaler Knights of Columbus regarding a truck terminal proposal on Sept.10,2025. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com)Steven White |Advance/SIlive.comSteven White |Advance/SIlive.com
Tannousis said the Republicans involved in the chat have been terminated from their positions by their respective employers. “Their views do not represent the values of our Republican Party or the residents of our community,” he said.
The Advance/SILive.com learned Tuesday that Assemblymember Mike Reilly fired his chief of staff, Peter Giunta, due to alleged comments he made in the text thread.
When Giunta was a candidate for chair of the Young Republican National Federation, troubling messages were reportedly exchanged during his campaign.
In the text chat, Giunta allegedly stated: “I love Hitler,” and “everyone that votes no is going to the gas chamber.”
And it appears there were two more Staten Islanders involved in the text chat.
Joe Maligno, who is a Staten Islander and vice president of the Staten Island Young Republicans Club, allegedly replied to the thread about the showers and Hitler. Politico reported that Maligno previously worked for Staten Island Judge Mary A. Kavanagh, but was no longer employed in Richmond County Civil Court.
In addition, Anne KayKaty, who allegedly participated in the chat, was the Staten Island Young Republicans Club’s former events committee chairperson, according to a 2021 post on the club’s Instagram.
Giunta’s alleged texts also referred to Black people as “the watermelon people,” and “monkeys.”
Giunta issued a public apology, expressing regret for the offensive language and claiming the messages may have been doctored. He also alleged that he was the target of a coordinated smear campaign by members of the New York City Young Republican Club, involving AI-generated content.
“The comments shared in the group chat that have been reported are extremely troubling and disappointing. They do not align with my values. As a result, Mr. Giunta’s assignment in my office has ended,” said Reilly to the Advance/SILive.com on Tuesday.
Politico’s investigation revealed a broader pattern of troubling behavior within the group chat, which spanned seven months and included racist, antisemitic, misogynistic, and homophobic remarks.
The messages reportedly praised slavery, discussed violent fantasies, and used deeply offensive language.
“…The chat offers an unfiltered look at how a new generation of GOP activists talk when they think no one is listening,” wrote Politico.
Said Tannousis: “The Richmond County Republican Party calls on elected officials and leaders across the political spectrum to demonstrate the same moral clarity we are showing today…Bigotry and hate do not have a home here on Staten Island.”
Republican Borough President Vito Fossella also called for the nation’s Democrats to condemn hate speech.
“We condemn hate — racism, antisemitism, sexism — in all its forms and all its expressions. There is no place for bigotry in our city or in our party. We take it seriously, we hold people accountable, and we will root it out,” Fossella said.
“And, the accountability must apply to individuals and office holders in the Democratic party, as well…There is no place — in either party or anywhere in America — for hate. As we look within and take responsibility for our own, we hope Democrats find the courage to act with the same moral clarity,” he added.
Press conference to be held
On Tuesday evening the Richmond County Democratic Party placed blame on the Trump administration for the alleged hate speech.
“President Trump and the Republican Party have created an environment where hateful rhetoric is not only spread widely, but condoned,” said Charles D. Fall Assembly deputy majority leader and chair of the Staten Island Democratic Party.
“It is tragic that this type of speech appears to be commonplace among the next generation of Republican leaders. It is time for the GOP to call out racist, violent language for what it is…,” added Fall, whose district includes the North Shore, and parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The Staten Island Democratic Party, along with representatives from the NAACP and other community leaders, have planned a press conference to address the text chat for Wednesday, Oct. 15, in front of Republican headquarters at 2300 Richmond Rd., New Dorp at 2 p.m.
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