Donald Trump hired a man many people think is a white nationalist. Then he did something even worse

Donald Trump made headlines this week for hiring Steve Bannon, the former Breitbart director who peddled white nationalism and alt-right (fascist) ideals on the 'news' website, as his chief strategist.

The move has been widely condemned by both Republicans and Democrats as a move that would not unify the country.

Republican South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham told reporters:

The website in question was a friendly site to the alt-right. I don’t like them and they don’t like me and I’m glad.

Meanwhile the outgoing Senate Democratic leader, Harry Reid, said on the senate floor:

If Trump is serious about seeking unity, the first thing he should do is rescind his appointment of Steve Bannon.

As long as a champion of racial division is a step away from the Oval Office it will be impossible to take Trump’s efforts to heal the nation seriously.

Trump has since hired Frank Gaffney, an anti-Muslim conspiracist, to his transition team.

Picture: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Gaffney has written prominently about his suspicions over a 'jihadist vote' in Washington, and was one of the key proponents of the 'Birther' conspiracy (alongside Trump).

During the Obama administration he peddled conspiracy theories that there was a deep-rooted Muslim infiltration of the government which sought to create an alternative system of law in the US.

His appointment has not gone down well:

Let's recall Trump's victory speech in which the most divisive Presidential candidate ever called for unity, following his election:

To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be a president to all Americans. For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help, so we can work together and unify our great country.

Here's some guidance: Stop hiring people who pander to fascists.

More: President-elect Trump calls for unity following campaign fuelled by division and hatred