Virginia activist leaves GOP after Trump’s ‘s—hole countries’ comments: report
An activist from Virginia reportedly left the Republican Party after President Trump’s reported comments referring to Haiti, El Salvador and African nations as “shithole countries.”
Kyle McDaniel, 28, was seen as a potential rising star, The Washington Post reported, adding that he was a member of the party’s state central committee and has worked as a top aide for Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity (R).
In a resignation letter Tuesday, McDaniel wrote about events he said he “could no longer stomach,” according to the newspaper
{mosads}In the letter to John Whitbeck, the state party’s chairman, McDaniel cited the president’s reported “shithole countries” comments.
He also referenced the response by some leaders to the white supremacist rally last year Charlottesville, Va.
“I have, on more occasions than I care to recall, been forced to ‘bite my tongue’ when in conversation with other party leaders about the issues of the day,” McDaniel wrote.
“I cannot in good faith continue to do that.”
McDaniel said he is “totally out” of the party. He said he would support candidates he agrees with, but added: “As far as any party affiliation, I’m out. I’m independent.”
Whitbeck said McDaniel is aware that “the Republican Party of Virginia, and I as chairman, have worked tirelessly to expand the Party into new communities,” according to the Post.
“We wish Mr. McDaniel the best in his future endeavors but he owes every member of his party an apology for repeating the Democrat talking points that Republicans are a bunch of racists,” Whitbeck said in a statement.