Five Pennsylvania Congressmen united with other House Democrats to sign a letter requesting president-elect Donald Trump rescind his appointment of Stephen Bannon as White House chief strategist. Brendan Boyle, Robert Brady, Matt Cartwright, Michael Doyle and Dwight Evans were among the 169 House Democrats who signed the letter.
Additionally, Delaware Congressman John Carney and New Jersey Congressmen Donald Norcross, Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Donald Payne Jr. and Albio Sires also expressed support in the letter.
In a statement, Brady says Bannon’s appintment “sends a troubling message to those who understand that our democracy is more important than our ideological differences. Mr. Trump needs to reassure the nation that his campaign divisiveness will be abandoned as we all move together to heal and celebrate the diversity of our America.”
“Unfortunately, your appointment of Stephen Bannon, whose ties to the White Nationalist movement have been well-documented, directly undermines your ability to unite the country,” the letter stated.
Bannon is the executive chairman of Breitbart News, which Bannon referred to as “a platform for the alt-right” in an interview with Mother Jones at the Republican National Convention in July.
The letter continues by referencing incidents of violence and harassment against “Muslim Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Jewish Americans.” Additionally, Breitbart has also published articles with criticisms against the LGBT community. Headlines for Breitbart articles include “Lesbian Bridezillas Bully Bridal Shop Owner Over Religious Beliefs,” which criticized a lesbian couple for being refused service at a Pennsylvania wedding shop, and “World Health Organization Report: Trannies 49 Xs Higher HIV Rate,” which used transphobic language.
“Mr. Bannon’s appointment sends the wrong message to people who have engaged in those types of activities, indicating that they will not only be tolerated, but endorsed by your administration,” the letter stated.
The House Democrats said 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.”