Steve Bannon Heads NY Young Republicans Gala Amid Antisemitism Fallout

When Steve Bannon, former White House chief strategist, stepped up to the podium at the 112th Annual GalaCipriani Wall Street, the room of tuxedoes and MAGA hats erupted in applause.

The NY Young Republicans had booked the iconic Manhattan venue months in advance, insisting on a black‑tie dress code that turned the night into a rare blend of high society and grassroots rally. Ticket sales topped out within days, forcing would‑be attendees onto a waitlist that some lucky members finally cracked open.

The Gala Night: Speakers and Atmosphere

Beyond Bannon, the stage welcomed a parade of right‑wing veterans: Nigel Farage, the Brexit‑hard‑liner; former Trump aide Dan Scavino; and Corey Lewandowski, the political oper‑tioner known for his social‑media savvy. Each delivered a succinct, rally‑cry style address that blended nostalgia for the 2016 wave with calls to “re‑ignite the movement” in the Empire State.

RSBN (Right Side Broadcasting Network) streamed the event live at 6 p.m. EST, logging a marathon 6‑hour‑3‑minute‑30‑second broadcast that ended just after midnight. The YouTube replay, posted on December 16, shows the crowd sipping Cipriani’s signature Bellini, nibbling butler‑passed canapés, and cheering loudly after the national anthem. Even the line outside the venue wrapped around the block, a visual guarantee that the club’s pull remains strong.

Gavin Wax’s Fiery Remarks and the Daniel Penny Reference

Club president Gavin Wax took a moment midway through the dinner to address recent headlines. “Daniel Penny became the folk hero we need in a post‑constitutional America besieged by existential, internal threats,” Wax declared, nodding toward a framed photo of the ex‑Marine. Penny, acquitted in early December for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on an F‑train, was hailed by Wax as a symbol of “standing up to a radical ideology that once silenced us.”

The speech sparked a ripple of chants—“USA! USA!”—that swelled as the night wore on. For many young attendees, the reference to Penny acted as a cultural touchstone, punctuating the club’s narrative of “victory” after Trump’s 2024 presidential win in New York.

Controversy Over Private Chat Messages

Just three days later, ABC News broke a story that sent shockwaves through the club’s leadership. According to a Politico investigation, a private group chat—created by an unnamed member referred to only as “Giunta”—contained more than 28,000 messages, including an alleged line reading “I love Hitler” and jokes about gas chambers. The messages, shared among club volunteers and junior leaders, were deemed “heinous, antisemitic, racist and unacceptable” by Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Mike Lawler.

Lawler tweeted on X (formerly Twitter): “Members of the New York Young Republicans who participated in this vile rhetoric should resign from any leadership position immediately.” Stefanik’s senior adviser, Alex deGrasse, echoed the outrage, saying the congresswoman was “absolutely appalled.”

Giunta, whose full name has not been disclosed, responded to Politico with an apology that mixed contrition and denial: “I am so sorry to those offended by the insensitive language … I take complete responsibility, but I have had no way of verifying their accuracy and am deeply concerned that the logs may have been deceptively doctored.” The club’s internal press office, meanwhile, kept a tight lid on reporters—Sophie Krichevsky of City & State New York was escorted by a chaperone for the entire evening and faced a brief verbal scolding when she briefly stepped away from her guide.

Reactions from New York GOP Leaders

Within hours, the controversy forced a rapid response from the state’s Republican establishment. Stefanik, who had previously praised Giunta for “tremendous leadership,” openly condemned the alleged messages and pledged a review of all club communications. Lawler, a freshman congressman from Long Island, called for an independent audit of the club’s membership vetting process.

Political analyst Steven Levitsky of Harvard University warned that “the resurfacing of extremist tropes within a youth organization could threaten the broader GOP’s attempts to re‑brand for suburban voters.” Still, club insiders argue the incident will be a “teachable moment” and anticipate stricter moderation of internal chats.

Looking Ahead: Next Year’s Gala and Ongoing Challenges

The New York Young Republican Club has already set the date for its 113th Annual Gala: Saturday, December 13 2025, with a pre‑gala reception on December 12. Ticket prices will range from $50 to $80, a modest dip from the 2024 price point, perhaps reflecting the organization’s desire to appear more inclusive after the backlash.

Meanwhile, the club’s “Day of Action for George Sarantopoulos” held on October 25 2024 in Brooklyn—branded on its website as “HISTORIC”—showed the group’s capacity to mobilize on local issues, from school board races to community policing debates.

Whether the Young Republicans can weather the antisemitism scandal while retaining the enthusiasm that filled Cipriani’s ballroom remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the 112th Gala will be remembered not just for its star‑studded speaker list, but for the stark reminder that youthful political enthusiasm must be paired with responsible discourse.

• Key Facts:
  • Date of 112th Gala: December 15 2024
  • Venue: Cipriani Wall Street, Manhattan, New York City
  • Featured speakers: Steve Bannon, Nigel Farage, Dan Scavino, Corey Lewandowski
  • Live broadcast length: 6 hours 3 minutes 30 seconds
  • Controversy: Private chat messages alleging antisemitic content surfaced December 18 2024