Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., on Saturday told President Trump to “say nothing” about the passing of civil rights icon John Lewis, who died late Friday of pancreatic cance
Trump issued a proclamation shortly after 11 a.m. to order all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, all military posts and embassies for the remainder of Saturday “as a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service” of Lewis.
JOHN LEWIS, CIVIL RIGHTS ICON, CONGRESSMAN FOR 33 YEARS, DEAD AT 80
But Bass said Trump shouldn’t say anything about the death of the Democratic congressman from Georgia. Trump has a history of divisive rhetoric, particularly on race relations, but Bass offered no explanation other than to say “let us mourn in peace.”
“ while the nation mourns the passing of a national hero, please say nothing. Please don’t comment on the life of Congressman Lewis,” she tweeted. “Your press secretary released a statement, leave it at that.”
As the lawmaker noted, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted out condolences to the Lewis family.
TRUMP, PELOSI ORDER FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF TO HONOR JOHN LEWIS; POSSIBLE HE COULD LIE IN STATE
“Rep. John Lewis was an icon of the civil rights movement, and he leaves an enduring legacy that will never be forgotten,” McEnany said. “We hold his family in our prayers, as we remember Rep. John Lewis’ incredible contributions to our country.”
Trump, later Saturday, did tweet out a short message of condolence to Lewis and his family.
“Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing. Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family,” he tweeted.
Tributes for Lewis, a former leading civil rights activist and symbol of the movement in the House of Representatives during his 33-year tenure, poured in Saturday from former presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and lawmakers from both parties who praised Lewis for his lifelong dedication to civil rights.
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Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, said: “I know of no man with more courage than John Lewis. He was a giant walking among us. When I saw him, I couldn’t help but think one thing: ‘I haven’t done enough.’ May his life and legacy inspire every one of us to strive for justice, equality and what is right.”
Fox News’ Marisa Schultz and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
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