WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s appointment of Steve Bannon as Chief White House Strategist and Senior Counselor:

“Presidents get to select their White House staff, and the people they hire reflect and carry out their agenda.  That is why I find Mr. Bannon’s appointment so troubling.  Mr. Bannon has a divisive record of extremism.

“President-elect Trump has stated his goal is to bring Americans together.  I share that goal, and I would like to think Mr. Trump’s supporters share that sentiment.

“Bigotry, discrimination, and malice have no place in our government nor in our public discourse.  When they arise, every American, elected or otherwise, has an obligation to speak out and demand better.

“The campaign is over and now actions matter more than words.  The President-elect has the right to pick his team.  But if he wants to unify the country he should bring on people who can help him bridge the divide and govern.”