Turning Point USA Chapter President Resigns Amid Racist Group Chat Scandal

Ian Valdes, the president of the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Florida International University (FIU), has resigned following the leak of a series of racist, antisemitic, and homophobic messages from a WhatsApp group chat. The Miami Herald reported that the chat contained over 400 uses of the N-word and derogatory comments targeting Black, Jewish, gay, and disabled individuals, as well as violent rhetoric against these groups. The messages were exchanged over a two-and-a-half-week period in September and October 2025.

Washington Examiner

In a statement posted on Instagram, TPUSA acknowledged the incident and confirmed Valdes's resignation, stating, “Our chapter remains focused on fostering constructive conversation, supporting our members, and continuing our mission of engaging students in meaningful discussions.” However, the organization did not specify the reasons for Valdes's departure. Miami-Dade County Republican Executive Committee Secretary Abel Carvajal, who initiated the group chat, has faced calls for his resignation but has refused to step down, asserting he has the support of many committee members.

The Independent

Several Republican leaders have condemned the messages shared in the chat. Miami-Dade Republican Party Chairman Kevin Cooper described Carvajal's actions as “reprehensible,” and Florida state representatives, including Alex Rizo and Juan Porras, have called for accountability. U.S. Senator Rick Scott stated that “racists and antisemites are not welcome in the Republican Party,” while Representative Byron Donalds emphasized that free speech does not justify holding leadership positions within the party.

Washington Examiner

Critics have pointed to a pattern of bigotry within TPUSA, suggesting that Valdes's resignation is insufficient to address the organization's underlying issues. The chapter previously faced scrutiny in 2018 for similar behavior, and the broader TPUSA has been accused of fostering a culture that tolerates or encourages such rhetoric. Some commentators argue that the organization’s founding principles, attributed to Charlie Kirk, reflect a white Christian nationalist ideology, which may contribute to the behavior exhibited by its members.

NewsOne

While many Republican officials have condemned the messages, Carvajal maintains that he has not been removed from his position and claims that no formal action has been taken against him. This discrepancy raises questions about the internal dynamics within the Miami-Dade Republican Party and the extent of accountability being pursued.

The Independent

• “The chapter president has stepped down from leadership, turned over social media, and we are currently reconstituting our leadership team.” — Turning Point USA

NewsOne

• “racists and antisemites are not welcome in the Republican Party.” — Senator Rick Scott

Washington Examiner

• “entitle someone to hold a leadership position within the Republican Party or the conservative movement.” — Representative Byron Donalds

Washington Examiner

The resignation of Ian Valdes highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding issues of race and discrimination, as well as the challenges faced by organizations like Turning Point USA in addressing allegations of bigotry among their members.

Washington Examiner