Harry Reid, Democrats Condemn Former Breitbart Head Stephen Bannon's Appointment As White House Chief Strategist

Written by Nick Fernandez

Published

After President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Stephen Bannon as White House chief strategist and senior counselor, numerous Democratic members of Congress led by Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and other national politicians condemned Trump’s “dangerous” selection. Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart News and Trump campaign CEO, has a long history of promoting “racist” and “race-baiting ideas” on Breitbart News, a site that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) says “promot[es] the core issues of the Alt-Right, introducing these racist ideas to its readership -- much to the delight of many in the white nationalist world who could never dream of reaching such a vast number of people.”

Former Breitbart News Head Stephen Bannon Appointed As Chief Strategist To President-Elect Donald Trump

NY Times: Donald Trump Selects Stephen Bannon As Chief Strategist And Senior Counselor. On November 13, President-elect Donald Trump appointed former executive chairman of Breitbart News, Stephen Bannon, to be “senior counselor and chief West Wing strategist.” According to The New York Times, Bannon’s appointment “signal[s] an embrace of the fringe ideology long advanced by Mr. Bannon and of a continuing disdain for the Republican establishment.” From the November 13 article:

President-elect Donald J. Trump on Sunday chose Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee and a loyal campaign adviser, to be his White House chief of staff, turning to a Washington insider whose friendship with the House speaker, Paul D. Ryan, could help secure early legislative victories.

In selecting Mr. Priebus, Mr. Trump passed over Stephen K. Bannon, a right-wing media provocateur. But the president-elect named Mr. Bannon his senior counselor and chief West Wing strategist, signaling an embrace of the fringe ideology long advanced by Mr. Bannon and of a continuing disdain for the Republican establishment.

The dual appointments — with Mr. Bannon given top billing in the official announcement — instantly created rival centers of power in the Trump White House.

Mr. Bannon’s selection demonstrated the power of grass-roots activists who backed Mr. Trump’s candidacy. Some of them have long traded in the conspiracy theories and sometimes racist messages of Breitbart News, the website that Mr. Bannon ran for much of the past decade. [The New York Times, 11/13/16]

Bannon Used Breitbart News To Promote Bigotry, Extremism, And Racism

Under Bannon’s Leadership, Breitbart Embraced The “Extremist Fringe” And Pushed “Racist Ideas.” The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reported in April that Breitbart has recently “undergone a noticeable shift toward embracing ideas on the extremist fringe of the conservative right. Racist ideas. Race-baiting ideas. Anti-Muslim and anti-Immigrant ideas -- all key tenets making up an emerging racist ideology known as the ‘Alt-Right.’” The SPLC noted that “Over the past year the media outlet has been openly promoting the core issues of the Alt-Right, introducing these racist ideas to its readership -- much to the delight of many in the white nationalist world who could never dream of reaching such a vast number of people” and pointed out that the site has been “publishing more overtly racist diatribes about Muslims and immigrants” since 2015. The SPLC also detailed how Breitbart has promoted the “popular racist conspiracy theory” that “African-Americans are committing crimes against whites at alarming rates.” [Media Matters, 8/17/16]

Democratic Politicians Resoundingly Condemn Bannon’s Appointment

Retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): Trump “Appointed A Man Who Is A Champion Of White Supremacy” With “His First Official Act.” In a speech on the floor of the United States Senate, retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid slammed Bannon as “a champion of racial division” and “white supremacy” and urged the president-elect to reverse his decision to name Bannon to such a senior White House post. From the November 15 edition of CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper:

SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): Healing the wounds he inflicted will take more than words. Talk is cheap, and tweets are cheaper. Healing wounds is going to take action. But so far, Mr. President, rather than healing these wounds, Trump's actions have deepened them. In one of his very first if not his first official act, he appointed a man seen as a champion of white supremacy as a number one strategist in the White House. Number one. Everybody else under him. According to CNN, and I quote, “white nationalist leaders are praising Donald Trump's decision to name Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist,” close quote. In the same article white nationalist leaders say they see Bannon, quote, “as an advocate for policies they favor,” close quote.

And according to the Poverty Law Center, Bannon, quote, “was a main driver between Breitbart becoming a white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill,” close quote. When asked to comment on Bannon's hiring, KKK leader David Duke told CNN, again a quote, “I think that's excellent,” close quote. A court filing stated that Bannon said, again another quote, “that he doesn't like Jews, and that he doesn't like the way they raise their kids to be whiny brats, and that he didn't want his girls to go to school with Jews,” close quote. That's court document.

By placing a champion of white supremacists a step away from the Oval Office, what message does Trump send to the young girl who woke up Wednesday morning in Rhode Island afraid to be a woman of color in America? It's not a message of healing. If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon. Rescind it. Don't do it. Think about this. Don't do it. As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office, it will be impossible to take Trump's efforts to heal the nation seriously. So I say to Donald Trump, take responsibility. Rise to the dignity of the office of President of the United States, stop hiding behind your Twitter account, and show America that racism, bullying, and bigotry have no place in the White House, or in America. [CNN, The Lead with Jake Tapper, 11/15/16]

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): “Bringing Steve Bannon Into The White House Is An Alarming Signal.” House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi excoriated Trump’s decision to give Bannon a senior White House position, writing that the appointment “is an alarming signal that President-elect Trump remains committed to the hateful and divisive vision that defined his campaign.” From Rep. Pelosi’s November 14 statement:

“After winning the presidency but losing the popular vote, President-elect Trump must try to bring Americans together – not continue to fan the flames of division and bigotry.

“Bringing Steve Bannon into the White House is an alarming signal that President-elect Trump remains committed to the hateful and divisive vision that defined his campaign. There must be no sugarcoating the reality that a white nationalist has been named chief strategist for the Trump Administration.

“Democrats are committed to finding common ground for hard-working families. &But we will stand our ground and strongly oppose attempts by this Administration to scapegoat and persecute Americans because of who they are, how they worship, or who they love.” [DemocraticLeader.gov, 11/14/16]

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD): “Donald Trump’s Appointment Of Steve Bannon To A Senior Position At The White House Is Deeply Disturbing.” House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer called Bannon’s appointment “deeply disturbing,” adding that Bannon’s “leadership of Breitbart, which provides a voice to radical white-supremacist groups, allegations about his comments on Jews, and charges of domestic abuse ought to be seen as disqualifying for a role at the White House.” From Hoyer’s November 14 statement:

"Donald Trump's appointment of Steve Bannon to a senior position at the White House is deeply disturbing. His leadership of Breitbart, which provides a voice to radical white-supremacist groups, allegations about his comments on Jews, and charges of domestic abuse ought to be seen as disqualifying for a role at the White House.

“As we seek to move forward from this divisive election, it is incumbent upon the President-Elect to show all Americans that the vile bigotry and misogyny that in large part characterized his campaign will not be carried over into his administration. Democrats will continue to stand up for those who were attacked by Donald Trump during his campaign and feel marginalized by his election, and we will keep fighting against antisemitism, sexism and all forms of hatred in our midst.” [Democraticwhip.gov, 11/14/16]

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN): “Mr. Bannon Is Adored By White Supremacists, White Nationalists, Anti-Semites, Neo-Nazis, And The KKK. It’s Not Hard To See Why.” Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim-American elected to Congress and rumored frontrunner to lead the Democratic National Committee, denounced the president-elect’s appointment of Bannon, writing in a press release, “If the President-elect is serious about rejecting bigotry, hatred, and violence from his supporters, he must rescind Stephen Bannon’s appointment. This man shouldn’t be allowed inside the White House – let alone run it.” From Ellison’s November 14 statement:

“On Sunday night, President-elect Donald Trump appeared on CBS’ 60 Minutes. While on this program, the President-elect took a minute to address his supporters who have harassed racial and religious minorities. The President-elect’s supporters have drawn swastikas on schools and churches, encouraged political opponents to commit suicide, threatened Muslim-Americans with violence, and committing other hate crimes.

“After addressing his supporters, the President-elect should turn his attention to the man he’s selected to run his White House: Stephen Bannon. Mr. Bannon has called the Pope a “commie.” He has referred to the Civil War as the “war of Southern Independence.” He referred to liberal, college educated women as “a bunch of dykes.” And sworn testimony in a legal case alleged Mr. Bannon was a domestic abuser and that he stated he “didn’t want [his children] going to school with Jews.”

“Mr. Bannon is adored by white supremacists, white nationalists, anti-Semites, neo-Nazis, and the KKK. It’s not hard to see why.

“If the President-elect is serious about rejecting bigotry, hatred, and violence from his supporters, he must rescind Stephen Bannon’s appointment. This man shouldn’t be allowed inside the White House – let alone run it.” [Ellison.House.gov, 11/14/16]

Senate Minority Leader-Elect Chuck Schumer (D-NY): “Bannon’s Appointment … Signals That Many Of His Dangerous And Bigoted Ideas Will Have A Seat At The Table In The White House.” According to Politico, “the first Jewish Senate leader laced into Bannon” in a recent speech, condemning “his dangerous and bigoted ideas” that, “will have a seat at the table in the White House.” From the November 14 article:

Future Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday that Donald Trump's elevation of Steve Bannon to a senior role at the White House means that many “dangerous and bigoted ideas will have a seat at the table.”

In a speech to the Democracy Alliance, a progressive group allied with Democrats, the first Jewish Senate leader laced into Bannon, according to a source. Schumer vowed to stand up to the Trump White House if Bannon's brand of alt-right politics seep into the West Wing.

“If allies or aides to the president say anything that demeans a group of Americans, we won’t hesitate for a moment to demand that our new president condemn those comments. And already we have reason to. Steve Bannon’s appointment to a senior White House post signals that many of his dangerous and bigoted ideas will have a seat at the table in the White House,” Schumer said, according to a source who attended the event. “We will be watching. And everyone here will be ready to actively stand up for one another if ever one group is attacked.” [Politico, 11/14/16]

Sen. Al Franken (D-MN): “It Is Our Obligation … To Stand Up To Mr. Bannon’s Hateful, Divisive Brand Of Politics.” On November 17, Sen. Al Franken issued an official statement on the senate floor opposing Bannon’s appointment, calling it an “obligation” to “stand up to Mr. Bannon’s hateful, divisive brand of politics.” He denounced Bannon’s leadership at Breitbart News, claiming he “traffic[s] in an ideology of racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, and anti-Semitism”:

I was disappointed when, just a few days later, I learned that the president-elect had selected former Trump campaign CEO Stephen Bannon to serve as his chief strategist and senior counsel, a position the president-elect described as an “equal partner” to his incoming White House chief of staff. The selection of Mr. Bannon to serve at the very highest level of our government does not signal a willingness to set aside our differences and embrace unity. Far from it. You see, M. PRESIDENT, before Mr. Bannon joined the Trump campaign, where he was widely credited as the chief architect of its most corrosive tactics, Mr. Bannon was the executive chairman of Breitbart News.

Now, Breitbart News, for those who are not familiar with it, is a conservative website founded by the late Andrew Breitbart. Even from its inception, Breitbart was a bastion of far-right ideology whose writers and editors unapologetically courted controversy. But the site took a darker turn shortly after Mr. Bannon took over in 2012. 4 “I think anger is a good thing,” Mr. Bannon is quoted as telling a gathering of conservative activists, and it shows. Mr. Bannon guided Breitbart away from more mainstream conservative opinion to instead traffic in an ideology of racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, and anti-Semitism. Even a former Breitbart editor, who has lamented the site’s hard shift to the extreme right, described its comment section as, quote “turning into a cesspool for white supremacist mememakers.” M. PRESIDENT, I think it’s important for the American public to understand exactly how Mr. Bannon’s Breitbart describes its fellow citizens.

[...]

Let's be clear, M. PRESIDENT, the use of racially charged rhetoric and innuendo is repulsive. The very purpose of deploying dog-whistle politics in the context of a campaign is to attract the support of people who harbor hateful ideologies without offending the sensibilities of more mainstream voters. Every member of this body should condemn rhetoric that sows the seeds of discord. It is our obligation—not just as senators, but as Americans— to stand up to Mr. Bannon’s hateful, divisive brand of politics, and to reject it. Now, we can’t change the fact that such strategies played a role in this campaign, but moving forward, M. PRESIDENT, it is imperative that we not allow these corrosive tactics to become normalized. We cannot allow them to become a regular part of our politics. And if President-Elect Trump truly meant what he said during his victory speech—if he truly hopes to be a president for all Americans—he will recognize that such tactics stand in the way of that goal, and he will renounce them. [Franken.Senate.gov, 11/17/16]

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD): “Stephen Bannon Should Not Be Allowed Anywhere Near The White House, Let Alone Advising The President Of The United States On All Matters.” Sen. Ben Cardin, who serves as Special Representative on Anti-Semitism, Racism, and Intolerance for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, condemned president-elect Trump’s appointment of Bannon, writing that Bannon “has been a proud poster-child for white nationalism, anti-Semitism and misogynistic views.” Cardin added that “Hate cannot be the ruling force in our nation for the next four years and it certainly should not have an office in the West Wing.” From Sen. Cardin’s November 14 statement:

“President-elect Trump’s road to the White House was a bumpy one littered with hate-filled rhetoric that stirred racist, anti-Semitic, misogynistic and xenophobic actions from the candidate and his supporters. In the week since the election, Mr. Trump has talked about healing the country and bringing people together. If he truly wants to be a president for all the people, he must start by renouncing the ugly rhetoric of the campaign and surround himself with men and women of the highest character who want to bring communities together rather than tear one another apart. The naming of Stephen Bannon to be a senior White House strategist is deeply troubling. He has been a proud poster-child for white nationalism, anti-Semitism and misogynistic views. Unless he can show a clear break from these divisive views, Stephen Bannon should not be allowed anywhere near the White House, let alone advising the President of the United States on all matters. Hate cannot be the ruling force in our nation for the next four years and it certainly should not have an office in the West Wing. As he prepares to take on the highest office in the land, I call on President-elect Trump and his incoming staff to show that 'American values' still stands for what is good and right in the world, and firmly and clearly distance themselves from this heinous history in both words and deeds.” [Cardin.Senate.gov, 11/14/16]

Sen. Corey Booker (D-NJ): Bannon’s Appointment “To One Of The Highest Positions In The White House Installs A Man With Fringe And Dangerous Ideologies Just Steps From The Oval Office.” In a statement published on Facebook, Sen. Corey Booker condemned Bannon’s appointment, stating that “Bannon won't build bridges, he will burn them,” and urging Trump to “reverse the decision to hire [Bannon] and chart a different course for the good of the American people.” From Sen. Booker’s November 15 statement:

Over the course of his campaign, Donald Trump degraded and demeaned Americans, threatened our rights, and attacked the privileges of citizenship. He will have a disastrous presidency if he governs that way, and he must show the American people with words and action how he will change direction. Many have offered to give him a chance to do so, despite his divisive campaigning, and he should not squander that opportunity to unite our nation.

Elevating Steve Bannon—a man who leads a website that promotes truly radical views about race and religion, whose appointment was celebrated by neo-Nazis and denounced by the Anti-Defamation League, and who has been condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike—to one of the highest positions in the White House installs a man with fringe and dangerous ideologies just steps from the Oval Office.

Bannon won't build bridges, he will burn them. He is unfit to advise America's commander-in-chief. Donald Trump should reverse the decision to hire him and chart a different course for the good of the American people. [Facebook, 11/15/16]

Sen. Al Franken (D-MN): “Steve Bannon Should Not Be Allowed To Hold Any Position In The White House, Let Alone One That Would Allow Him To Make Critical Decisions About How Our Country Is Run.” In a statement published on Facebook, Sen. Al Franken slammed Trump’s appointment of Bannon, writing that “White supremacists have made it clear that they see Bannon as their advocate in a Trump Administration,” and therefore, Franken concluded, “Steve Bannon should not be allowed to hold any position in the White House, let alone one that would allow him to make critical decisions about how our country is run.” From Sen. Franken’s November 15 statement:

"…the women that would lead this country would be pro-family, they would have husbands, they would love their children. They wouldn’t be a bunch of dykes that came from the Seven Sisters schools up in New England."

“Fear is a good thing.”

"…turn on the hate…"

These are just a few of the things that Steve Bannon—a white nationalist who for years has stoked hatred—has said over the course of his career. In his victory speech, President-elect Trump pledged that he would be a president for all Americans. But the decision to name Bannon as his Chief Strategist is directly at odds with that pledge. Bannon’s alt-right website Breitbart News has provided a platform for racism, sexism, homophobia, and anti-Semitism. For example: Bannon published an article two weeks after the shooting in Charleston, where nine African-Americans were massacred, titled “Hoist it High and Proud: The Confederate Flag Proclaims a Glorious Heritage.”

White supremacists have made it clear that they see Bannon as their advocate in a Trump Administration, which is not only disturbing, but also dangerous for millions upon millions of people in Minnesota and across the country. Steve Bannon should not be allowed to hold any position in the White House, let alone one that would allow him to make critical decisions about how our country is run. If he truly seeks to unite America, Donald Trump can start by finding someone else to advise him. And do it immediately. [Facebook, 11/15/16]

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): Bannon “Should Have No Place In A Position Of Public Trust.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal denounced Trump’s appointment of Bannon, writing that he “share[s] President-elect Trump’s stated intention to bring the country together, bridge divisions, and find common ground, but appointing Steve Bannon dramatically undercuts and discredits that goal.” Blumenthal urged Trump to “reconsider and reverse this decision.” From Sen.Blumenthal’s November 14 statement:

“I am deeply troubled by the prospective appointment of Steve Bannon to a position in the Trump Administration’s White House. Steve Bannon is the executive chairman of a website that deals in anti-Semitic, racist, xenophobic, and misogynistic comments. He should have no place in a position of public trust, and I hope that the President-elect will reconsider and reverse this decision. Actions speak louder than words. I share President-elect Trump’s stated intention to bring the country together, bridge divisions, and find common ground, but appointing Steve Bannon dramatically undercuts and discredits that goal.” [Blumenthal.Senate.gov, 11/14/16]

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR): Bannon Is “A Man Who Not Only Tolerated Hate In Every Form, But Actively Courted It And Fomented It.” In a statement published on Facebook, Sen. Ron Wyden condemned the appointment of Bannon as chief strategist, writing, “Steve Bannon ran a website that trafficked in anti-Semitism and boasted of being the voice of white nationalists. That’s a fact. There’s no spinning that.” Wyden added that the dismissal of “anti-Semitism, misogyny, and white nationalism” by Trump and his allies shows a “shocking lack of respect for history and starts this administration off on a stunningly wrong foot.” From Sen. Wyden’s November 14 statement:

Steve Bannon ran a website that trafficked in anti-Semitism and boasted of being the voice of white nationalists. That’s a fact. There’s no spinning that.

It’s outrageous the first announcement from the Trump administration is to announce the chief strategist will be a man who not only tolerated hate in every form, but actively courted it and fomented it.

I’m the son of German-Jewish immigrants. My family left Nazi Germany and came to America. But it’s not just me saying that Bannon is an unacceptable choice. Reasonable people on the left and the right are just speechless that the president-elect is choosing to invite someone with this kind of record into the White House.

The fact that Mr. Trump’s allies are dismissing anti-Semitism, misogyny and white nationalism so lightly demonstrates a shocking lack of respect for history and starts this administration off on a stunningly wrong foot. [Facebook, 11/14/16]

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA): “Trump Has Chosen To Champion The Positions Of Neo-Nazis, White Nationalists And Anti-Semites By Appointing Steve Bannon.” Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey denounced Trump’s selection of Bannon, declaring that “There is no place in our society, let alone the White House, for purveyors like Steve Bannon of hate and violence against any group of Americans,” and that “President-elect Trump will forever poison the well with Congress and the American people by appointing a figure who has fueled the rhetoric and activities of hate groups that actives promote violence.” From Sen. Markey’s November 14 statement:

“If the saying is true and you are the company you keep, Donald Trump has chosen to champion the positions of neo-Nazis, white nationalists and anti-Semites by appointing Steve Bannon as chief strategist and senior counselor.

“There is no place in our society, let alone the White House, for purveyors like Steve Bannon of hate and violence against any group of Americans. President-elect Trump will forever poison the well with Congress and the American people by appointing a figure who has fueled the rhetoric and activities of hate groups that actively promote violence against immigrants, Muslims, women, African-Americans, the LGBTQ community, and people of Jewish faith.

“If Donald Trump wants to keep his word and unify the country, he must call on all of his appointments to repudiate any and all past affiliations with hate groups, and he himself must denounce anyone who has affiliations with groups whose stock and trade is hate and violence against the American people.

“Right now, we are in an epic battle for our democracy. The stand we take today will determine if future generations live in a nation founded on hope or fueled by hate. Today, and every day moving forward, we must always be guided by the principles and values of our nation -- justice, tolerance, liberty, and equality -- for all races, creeds, colors, faiths and origins.” [Markey.Senate.gov, 11/14/16]

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR): “There Should Be No Sugarcoating The Truth Here: Donald Trump Just Invited A White Nationalist Into The Highest Reaches Of The Government.” Sen. Jeff Merkley castigated Trump’s appointment of Bannon, writing in a press release that “Steve Bannon bears substantial responsibility for the open and disgusting acts of hatred that are sweeping across our nation.” Merkley demanded that Trump “rescind the appointment of Steve Bannon.” From Sen. Merkley’s November 14 statement:

“There should be no sugarcoating the truth here: Donald Trump just invited a white nationalist into the highest reaches of the government. Bannon has boasted that he made Breitbart News ‘the platform for the alt-right,’ which is the politically correct term for the resurrection of white nationalism.

“Under Bannon’s leadership, Breitbart News created news sections such as ‘Black Crime’ and compared the work of Planned Parenthood to the Holocaust. Under his leadership, Breitbart News ran this headline following the massacre of nine church-goers at an African American church in Charleston: ‘Hoist it high and proud: The Confederate flag proclaims a glorious heritage.’ He called conservative commentator Bill Kristol a ‘renegade Jew.’ Steve Bannon bears substantial responsibility for the open and disgusting acts of hatred that are sweeping across our nation.

“After running a campaign built on inciting divisions and hate, Donald Trump has claimed he wants to unite America. Yet he has done nothing meaningful to stop the wave of hate crimes and hate speech he has unleashed, and now has brought that strategy right into the Oval Office.

“Donald Trump needs to forcefully denounce the hateful actions and efforts to intimidate people that some of his supporters are undertaking and rescind the appointment of Steve Bannon.” [Merkley.Senate.gov, 11/14/16]

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA): “Stephen Bannon Is Someone Who Has Demonstrated Disregard For Common Decency And Values That All Americans Should Share.” Sen. Bob Casey highlighted “The litany of Breitbart’s horrific statements” published while Bannon was at the helm, writing that “Stephen Bannon is someone who has demonstrated disregard for common decency and values that all Americans should share.” Casey concluded by “urge[ing] President-elect Trump to reconsider” his appointment of Bannon. From Sen. Casey’s November 14 statement:

[Twitter, 11/14/16]

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT): Trump’s Appointment Of Stephen Bannon Is “Very Troubling.” Sen. Chris Murphy criticized the appointment of Bannon, calling the move “very troubling.” According to The Connecticut Mirror, Murphy said the appointment “adds to the concerns of Muslims and minority groups about the direction of a Trump administration,” saying, “The fears that exist today in these communities are real.” From the November 14 article:

Connecticut’s senators have jumped on a bandwagon of opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Stephen Bannon as his chief strategist in the White House.

[...]

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., called Trump’s announcement of Bannon’s appointment, made on Sunday, “very troubling.”

He said it adds to the concerns of Muslims and minority groups about the direction of a Trump administration.

“The fears that exist today in these communities are real,” Murphy said. [The Connecticut Mirror, 11/14/16]

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH): “We Cannot Bring The Country Together By Inviting … Bigotry And Hate Speech” Into The White House. Sen. Sherrod Brown called on Trump to “immediately remove” Bannon from his position as strategist and counselor to the president, noting that Bannon has “promoted anti-Semitic, racist, misogynistic and dangerous views that have emboldened white nationalist forces and caused some Americans to question whether they can still feel safe in the country we all love.” From Sen. Brown’s November 15 statement:

“We cannot bring the country together by inviting into the White House the same bigotry and hate speech that divided us on the campaign trail,” Brown said. “This is not about a difference in policy or politics – Steve Bannon has promoted anti-Semitic, racist, misogynistic and dangerous views that have emboldened white nationalist forces and caused some Americans to question whether they can still feel safe in the country we all love. President-elect Trump told us he wants to be a President for ‘all Americans’ and he cannot do that while empowering bigotry that targets and threatens many of them. Steve Bannon must be removed from his position immediately.” [Brown.Senate.gov, 11/15/16]

Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM): Appointing Bannon “Is A Frightening Sign Of Where [Trump’s] Administration May Be Headed.” Sen. Tom Udall condemned Trump’s decision to appoint someone “that demonizes women and spreads hate-filled lies about Muslims, Latinos, African Americans, Jews and others” to a senior White House post, concluding that Bannon’s appointment “is a frightening sign of where his administration may be headed.” From Sen. Udall’s November 15 statement:

“As far as I'm concerned, appointing as chief strategist and adviser a man who has dedicated the last several years to running a far-right website that demonizes women and spreads hate-filled lies about Muslims, Latinos, African Americans, Jews and others shows Donald Trump has already forgotten his pledge for unity. Across this country, people are voicing fear and anger about what this means for the direction of Mr. Trump's presidency. This is a frightening sign of where his administration may be headed; it's not a wise choice, and Mr. Trump would be better off without him.” [TomUdall.Senate.gov, 11/15/16]

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA): “The President Of The United States Should Condemn Bigots, [Donald Trump]. Not Give Them A West Wing Office To Decide Our Country’s Future.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16]

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT): “Steve Bannon’s Appointment Should Make Us Very Nervous. We’re Going To Tell Him And Trump That We Will Stand Together And Not Be Divided Up.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16]

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI): “Steve Bannon Is Known For His Racist And Sexist Rhetoric. That Does Not Belong In The White House.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16]

Sen. Angus King (I-ME): “It Is Discouraging To Me That The President-Elect Has Chosen [Bannon] As One Of His Top Advisors.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY): “I Stand Ready To Oppose The Forces Of Hatred, Bigotry & Intolerance At Every Turn.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT): “Bannon In The White House Is A Major Mistake … It Condones Intolerance, Hate And Disinformation.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI): “A White Supremacist Has No Place In The White House.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): “Steve Bannon’s Breitbart Is Fringe, Homophobic, Racist, Misogynist & Anti-Semitic. His Appointment Is Very Alarming.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA): Bannon “Is A Bigot Who Should Never Step Foot In The” White House.

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL): “I Strongly Condemn The Appointment Of A White Nationalist To The Position Of Chief Strategist In The Next White House Administration.” Rep. Mike Quigley “strongly condemn[ed]” Trump’s decision to name Bannon chief strategist, writing that the appointment of Bannon “demonstrates that the next Commander-in-Chief remains unwilling to abandon the hateful and divisive vision that he laid out during his campaign.” Quigley added that “The forces of hate and influence of bigotry have no place in the hallowed halls of our government.” From Rep. Quigley’s November 14 statement:

“In the aftermath of such a long, tumultuous campaign, it is the responsibility of President-elect Trump to foster a sense of unity that brings Americans together instead of pulling us further apart. However, Trump’s decision to name Steve Bannon his Chief Strategist sends a very different message to the American people. This disturbing choice demonstrates that the next Commander-in-Chief remains unwilling to abandon the hateful and divisive vision that he laid out during his campaign.

I strongly condemn the appointment of a white nationalist to the position of Chief Strategist in the next White House administration, and I will continue my efforts in Congress to defend equality and opportunity for all – regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. President-elect Trump has said that he wants to be a President for all Americans. If that is true, he must surround himself with individuals that adhere to our highest principles and values as a nation. The forces of hate and influence of bigotry have no place in the hallowed halls of our government.” [Quigley.House.gov, 11/14/16]

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD): “If Trump Wants To Be ‘President For All Americans,’ He Can Start By Rescinding His Job Offer To Bannon. He Has No Place In The White House.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA): “America Is Strongest United. Choice Of Bannon, A Racist, Anti-Semitic, Misogynist, Divides Us. We’re Better Than This. #NoNormalizing Hate.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16]

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA): “A ‘President For All Americans’ Doesn’t Appoint An Anti-Semitic, Racist, Homophobic Misogynist As Senior Advisor.”

[Twitter, 11/13/16]

Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA): “Pres-Elect Trump Has Responsibility To Rise About Division/Intolerance That Marked Campaign, Which Is Why His Bannon Choice Is So Disturbing.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16, 11/14/16]

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA): Trump “Invites White Supremacist To Move To” The White House.

[Twitter, 11/13/16]

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR): “President-Elect Trump’s Alarming Appointment Of Steve Bannon Belies His Words About Uniting The Country.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16, 11/14/16, 11/14/16]

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI): “Someone Who Stokes Racism Has No Place In Any Administration And Trump Should Immediately Withdraw Steve Bannon’s Appointment.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY): “Trump And GOP Silence On KKK & Neo-Nazi Support For Steve Bannon Is Deafening. #Hate Has No Place In Our Govt.”

[Twitter, 11/15/16]

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX): “Stephen Bannon Should Not Work In The White House.”

[Twitter, 11/14/16]

Former Governor Of Maryland Martin O’Malley: Trump “Starts Next 4 [Years] By Appointing Racist/Anti-Semite/Xenophobe To Run Country. All Decent Americans Must Oppose” Steve Bannon.

[Twitter, 11/14/16]