U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet over the weekend said White House chief strategist Steve Bannon’s exit was something that should happened long ago and, moreover, that “he should never have worked there in the first place.”
“Removing Mr. Bannon’s divisive, nationalist influence from the White House was long overdue,” the Colorado Democrat said in a written statement. “… Regardless, the tone for this administration ultimately lies with the president.”
Removing Bannon's divisive, nationalist influence from WH was long overdue. Regardless, the tone for this admin ultimately lies with .
— Michael Bennet (@SenatorBennet)
News broke Friday that Bannon, who has faced intense criticism for his ties to white nationalist groups, after a tumultuous term. Bannon had been on shaky ground for weeks, and when Trump’s new chief of staff, John Kelly, embarked on a personnel review of West Wing staff.
Kelly had indicated to aides that significant changes could be coming, according to an official familiar with Kelly’s plans but not authorized to speak publicly.
Calls for Bannon’s removal intensified rally earlier this month.
Colorado’s other U.S. senator, Republican Cory Gardner, said last week that he would not ask Trump to fire any of his staff.
U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a Boulder County Democrat, said Bannon’s ouster “does not expunge the hurtful rhetoric coming from the White House. … Nevertheless, I welcome the removal of a white nationalist, and propagandist from the White House.”
Another Colorado Democrat, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Arvada, called Bannon’s resignation “good news.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.