New Hampshire Congresswoman Annie Kuster is one of more than 150 House Democrats urging President-elect Donald Trump to rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon as chief strategist.
In their letter to Trump, House Democrats say the former CEO of Breitbart News used his platform to promote anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and racism.
Kuster spoke to NHPR’s Morning Edition about her concern.
“I think it sends just the wrong tone in terms of bringing the country together, and so I have been surprised more Republicans are not speaking out about this person literally being a heartbeat away, the next office from the President of the United States. I think it’s shocking in terms of inclusiveness.”
Bannon’s appointment has been denounced by groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League.
Kuster also weighed in on the question of whether House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi should keep her post. A vote on House Democratic leadership was delayed this week, raising the potential for other Democrats to mount a challenge.
“At this point, no one else has entered the race, so I anticipate leader Pelosi will continue for another term. But I think it’s a healthy discussion among our party about what our priorities are going forward and how we’re going to focus our efforts on keeping President Trump accountable.”
