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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) released the following statement in response to reports that Fred Fleitz, who was recently appointed as the Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council, made anti-Muslim comments in an interview last year:

“I am deeply concerned about comments reported to have been made by the newly appointed Chief of Staff to the White House National Security Council.  His statements expressing concern about Muslim populations in Michigan are appalling. In Michigan and across the country, Muslim-Americans are doctors, lawyers, teachers, community leaders and some of the most patriotic Americans I know.  They are literally my next-door neighbors in Dearborn, the city which has been our home for decades. Racism and bigotry have no place in our politics, and especially not in the White House. We must not allow fear and hatred to divide us, and irresponsible statements like this make us less safe. Freedom of religion is a fundamental pillar of our democracy and we must stand together as Americans to protect the values and ideals that make this nation great.”