Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the appointment of Stephen K. Bannon as Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to President-Elect Donald J. Trump.

“I am deeply concerned about the appointment of Stephen K. Bannon as Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to President-Elect Donald J. Trump. Mr. Bannon’s longtime association with white nationalist, xenophobic, and anti-women politics has raised serious concerns that he will use his position in the federal government to undermine the best traditions of our nation and attempt to relegate women, African Americans, Latinos, Jews, Muslims, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community to second-class citizenship. These are not just words. Reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) demonstrate that hate crimes have already increased dramatically since Election Day – including a swastika recently painted on the sidewalk in Crown Heights. The threat of violent hatred has become a reality for more and more Americans. We cannot – and we will not – allow anyone to disregard our humanity and demean our existence. I urge the incoming administration to reject such vile rhetoric and urge my constituents to report suspected hate crimes to law enforcement authorities.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives, proudly represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.