WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn (D-SC) released the following statement today:  

“Donald Trump’s recent staffing and nomination announcements are a sad but predictable continuation of his spiteful, divisive campaign,” said Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn.  “Steve Bannon has taken pride in giving voice and an online home to radical white-supremacist groups.  There should be no place in the White House for his brand of misogynistic, bigoted, anti-Semitic and xenophobic normalcy.

“Senator Sessions has faced serious allegations throughout his career and was rightly rejected for a federal judgeship because of them.  His civil rights record is appalling and should disqualify him from Senate confirmation.

“Together the Bannon appointment and nomination of Senator Sessions for Attorney General represent a frightening return to a dark and dangerous past for minority communities in Donald Trump’s America.  They threaten the civil rights progress we’ve made and are significant roadblocks to healing the racial divisions laid bare by the recent election.  I firmly oppose both and urge Donald Trump to rescind the appointment of Steve Bannon as Chief Strategist and the nomination of Senator Sessions for Attorney General.”