Paul Ingrassia, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), is addressing significant scrutiny as he approaches his Senate confirmation hearing. Ingrassia, a Cornell Law School graduate from Long Island, New York, was chosen in May to head the OSC, an independent agency tasked with protecting federal whistle-blowers and enforcing the Hatch Act. Despite his qualifications, Ingrassia faces criticism primarily due to his young age and alleged antisemitic connections.

Ingrassia has been accused of having ties to Nick Fuentes, a known Holocaust denier and antisemite. However, Ingrassia has firmly rejected these claims, stating in an interview with Fox News Digital that he is not an antisemite and finds the allegations against him to be false and offensive. He emphasized his upbringing in New York, where he lived among Holocaust survivors and learned from their experiences.

The controversy intensified when CNN reported that Jewish advocacy groups were unfamiliar with Ingrassia and did not support his nomination. The Zionist Organization of America initially appeared not to endorse him, but its national president, Morton Klein, later clarified that he did support Ingrassia after further reflection and discussions. Klein also noted that Ingrassia condemned Fuentes’ views on the Holocaust and Israel.

Jonathan Burkan, a member of the Holocaust Memorial Council appointed by Trump, also defended Ingrassia, describing him as a friend of the Jewish community and rejecting any claims of antisemitism as baseless smears.

As Ingrassia’s Senate confirmation hearing approaches, it remains uncertain when it will take place. However, it is expected that these allegations will be a focal point during his questioning by Congress.