Washington – 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.
Bannon, the executive editor of Breitbart News before joining the Trump campaign in August, is criticized by Democrats and some political strategists as being too closely allied to the “alt-right” movement.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he is “deeply troubled” by the appointment of someone associated with a web site that is “antisemitic, racist and homophobic.” The appointment does not need congressional approval.
“He really should have no place in an upcoming administration,” Blumenthal said. “I hope the president-elect will reconsider and reverse this decision.”
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.
Bannon’s job will give him authority over the strategic direction of the White House, much like Karl Rove had during the administration of former president George W. Bush.
The other top Trump adviser will be Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who will become White House chief of staff and is an ally of House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
The Connecticut senators on Monday joined a rising chorus of Democratic discontent over Bannon’s appointment.
“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,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “There must be no sugarcoating the reality that a white nationalist has been named chief strategist for the Trump administration.