Congressional Black Caucus calls on Trump to ‘please say nothing’ on Lewis death
US President Donald Trump has been urged to “say nothing” after the death of Congressman John Lewis and allow the nation to mourn.
California Democratic Representative Karen Bass, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, made the Saturday comments after the death of the African American civil rights titan, respected both by Democrats and Republicans.
“While the nation mourns the passing of a national hero, please say nothing. Please don’t comment on the life of Congressman Lewis. Your press secretary released a statement, leave it at that,” she tweeted, mentioning the president. “Please let us mourn in peace.”
The president, meanwhile, asserted that he was saddened by the news although he had a contentious relationship with Lewis, who had accused him of not being a “legitimate president,” before his death.
“Saddened to hear the news of civil rights hero John Lewis passing. Melania and I send our prayers to he and his family,” the US president tweeted.
Back in January 2017, Trump attacked Lewis by calling his Atlanta-area district, which he represented for 17 terms, “crime infested,” and blaming him of inaction.
“Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results. All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!” said the president then.
White House flags flew at half-staff following the death of civil rights icon as “a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding public service” of Lewis.
Former President Barack Obama also commented on Lewis death, saying he “stood on the shoulders” of the top black activist.
“I first met John when I was in law school, and I told him then that he was one of my heroes. Years later, when I was elected a US Senator, I told him that I stood on his shoulders," Obama wrote on Medium. "When I was elected President of the United States, I hugged him on the inauguration stand before I was sworn in and told him I was only there because of the sacrifices he made.”
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