The New Republic, a left-leaning publication, has sparked widespread criticism for an article focusing on the political contributions of Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, the company operating the missing Titanic submersible. The Titan vessel disappeared on Sunday with five people aboard, including Rush, during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage. With oxygen supplies dwindling, the search and rescue mission has become a race against time.

Amidst the desperate search, The New Republic published a piece titled "OceanGate CEO Missing in Titanic Sub Had History of Donating to GOP Candidates." The article, penned by senior political correspondent Daniel Strauss, highlighted Rush's donations to Republican candidates, describing him as a "consistent Republican donor" though not a "megadonor." The piece detailed the specific Republican candidates Rush had supported.

The article's focus on Rush's political affiliations during the ongoing crisis drew immediate and intense condemnation across social media. Critics questioned the publication's judgment and sensitivity, accusing them of politicizing a tragedy. Some commentators called the article "disgusting" and "pathetic," while others questioned its relevance to the search and rescue efforts.

Several prominent figures, including Fox News' Janice Dean, weighed in on the controversy, expressing disbelief and outrage. The backlash prompted The New Republic to delete the related tweet, although the original article's headline remained unchanged. The publication has not yet responded to requests for comment on the criticism.