Dem congresswoman attacks Trump's new chief of staff as an 'extremist' — then the internet responds with force

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) took to her Twitter account Friday to attack President Donald Trump's new chief of staff, Gen. John Kelly, as an "extremist."

According to Lee, Kelly, who is currently the secretary of Homeland Security, will "militarize" the White House.

"By putting Gen John Kelly in charge, Pres Trump is militarizing the White House & putting our executive branch in the hands of an extremist," Lee tweeted.

It was announced Friday that White House chief of staff Reince Priebus had resigned his post and was leaving the White House. It was immediately announced that Kelly would be Priebus' replacement. Trump made the announcement via his personal Twitter account.

The move came amid a continued White House shake-up that included the resignation of Sean Spicer as press secretary last week after Trump hired Anthony Scaramucci as White House communication's director.

Scaramucci made news this week after eviscerating Priebus in a phone call with a reporter and even accused the top White House aide as a source of long sought after leaks. Priebus, however, has denied leaking any information from the West Wing.

But given Kelly's distinguished military career, which spanned nearly 50 years and included reaching the highest rank in the Marine Corps, the Internet was quick to hit back at Lee for her attack on Kelly.

Did you just call a person who won Distinguished Medal fighting for this Country and Extremist?

— Phil Asophical (@Realist1234567) July 28, 2017

Are you implying that retired military personnel can never reintegrate into society? How discriminating can you be? You've insulted millions

— 💵💵💵💵💵 (@fallenangelnyc) July 28, 2017

For the record: smearing an honorable man who not only served this great country but lost his son in uniform as well, is a disgrace. #Shame

— tree hugging sister (@treehuggingsis) July 28, 2017

The US Military are extremists? They protect your sorry ass and your right to spew this nonsense. ~ Proud military mom

— Pam (@luckymomx4) July 28, 2017

@MissyJo79 Beats the hell out of the Muslim Brotherhood in the W.H.

— S. Rey (@kirtland20) July 28, 2017

My husband served 20 yrs in the Military. Since you're such an expert on extremism, tell me is he an extremist too or just a semi-extremist?

— Mrs Malindo for 45 (@MrsMalindo) July 29, 2017

You're calling @USMC extremists. The men and women who keep our Republic & freedoms safe. You should be ashamed of yourself.

— Victor Nikki🇺🇸 (@hapkidobigdad) July 28, 2017

OMG...

A Marine Corps General is an extremist? Please continue making a fool out of yourself. #RegressiveLeft pic.twitter.com/1od7nMeG1W

— Cucker Tarlson (@smcosta1969) July 28, 2017

So you call members of the United States Military extremists huh.

Sickening!

— Anthony Scarramucci (@AnthonyScarramu) July 28, 2017

Even Spicer responded:

After news of his resignation broke, Priebus said that he will continue to support Trump from outside the White House and told CNN's Wolf Blitzer that he will "always" be a Trump fan.

"I’m on Team Trump," Priebus said.