The appointment of Brietbart executive Stephen Bannon to an executive level advisory role by the president-elect sparked a furor among Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In a polite but emphatic letter dated 16 November, 138 House members called for the immediate firing of Bannon, citing his documented connection to white supremacists and the divisiveness his appointment engenders.
The letter reminds the president-elect that he serves all members of the American public and not a select few.
Bannon’s public support among “leading white nationalists” including former KKK Grand Dragon David Duke and the chair of the American Nazi Party, Rocky J. Suhadya is noted in the communique.
We strongly believe that Mr. Bannon’s appointment will not allow the country to heal and come together as one. As one of your top advisors, the White House chief strategist will help set the tone for your administration. The person in this role must be prepared to serve the interests of all Americans, not those of a select few.
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi led the House charge with a statement released on 14 November which condemned the appointment in stark terms, after a reminder to the incoming chief executive that he did not win the popular vote.
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.
U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Ed Markey (D-ME) also quickly criticized the appointment, preceding a coordinated effort by their colleagues in that chamber. A number of Democrat Senators have voiced their strong opposition to the Bannon appointment.
There is no sign that the president-elect has responded to the pleas by Congressional Democrats or intends to reconsider his appointment.
GO BLINDLY 