Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on reports that President-elect Donald Trump will hire Steve Bannon as a senior advisor:

“I became mayor of San Francisco when my predecessor was assassinated—I know how fear can tear apart a community. Today we’re again seeing the spread of fear, this time caused by a series of racist and xenophobic attacks.

“In the last week, Muslim university students were attacked for their faith, Latino students humiliated by peers who say they’ll be deported, Confederate flags and racist slurs used to intimidate African-Americans, and swastikas and Nazi propaganda spray painted on buildings. That’s not the America I know.

“Hiring Steve Bannon as a senior advisor in the White House will only further inflame these fears. Virtually everyone who has contacted my office has expressed shock that Bannon, so closely linked to anti-Semitic and misogynistic opinions, will have the ear of the president.

“Diverse communities must be brought together by leaders, whether it’s a city or a nation. We must work to heal differences, not allow them to fester and devastate our society. Being a leader means representing everyone, not just one constituency.

“I’m hopeful that Donald Trump will hear the millions of outraged voices and decide to surround himself with advisors who respect all Americans. Someone known for belittling minorities, immigrants and women has no place advising the president.”

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