Kentucky’s congressional delegation is reacting to President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial staff picks.
[Note: A previous version of this story that aired on Thursday, 11/17, incorrectly referred to Steve Bannon as President-elect Donald Trump's choice for chief-of-staff. Bannon has been selected to serve as chief White House strategist.]
Trump’s choice for chief White house strategist, Breitbart News executive chairman Steve Bannon, has drawn the most fire – from Democrats and some conservatives. While Rep. John Yarmuth co-signed a letter, along with more than 140 member of his party, calling for his appointment to be withdrawn, Sen. Rand Paul defended Bannon in an interview with Yahoo News.
The libertarian-leaning lawmaker chalked the calls up to “sour grapes by people who lost” and said he doesn’t not believe Bannon is a racist. Breitbart News is popular with a movement known as the “alt-right,” which critics accuse of fostering white nationalist sentiment.
The Democrats’ letter said the choice “undermines unity,” but Paul suggested Bannon is becoming a scapegoat for the left.
The senator has weighed in against two names floated for secretary of state – former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton – saying they are too eager to wage war in the Middle East.
