Hey, Trump: John Lewis Is a Real Hero

The Georgia congressman (pictured, right) said the president-elect was "illegitimate." Trump responded by belittling the civil rights icon. To quote Trump, "Wrong!"

John Lewis, a Democratic U.S. Representative, longtime civil rights leader, and committed LGBT ally, told Meet the Press's Chuck Todd what many have been saying privately: President-elect Donald Trump is "illegitimate."

Lewis was referencing the concerted Russian effort to elect him and damage Hillary Clinton's candidacy — a scandal that seems to only grow in magnitude by the day.

President-elect Donald Trump, predictably, didn't miss the opportunity to respond.

Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2017

mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2017

Social media exploded with anger over Trump's attack on Lewis, who has spent his life fighting for justice.

John Lewis has sacrificed pain & blood in the name of justice & civil rights. He is a great man of courage & distinction. He is a hero. pic.twitter.com/hG7qSAYgFs — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 14, 2017

John Lewis has served in the House of Representatives since 1987. Before that, he was a leader of the nonviolent civil rights movement of the 1960s, serving as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Lewis, who worked often with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., organized voting drives and helped plan the Selma to Montgomery marches. He was one of the original Freedom Riders, mixed-race civil rights activists who rode public buses throughout the South to stand against segregated public transportation. At only 21, Lewis was attacked by white men during one of the Freedom Rides. Lewis also helped organize the 1963 March on Washington and spoke at the legendary gathering. Lewis would go on to be elected to the Atlanta City Council before he joined Congress.