CNN host tells Republican to his face: 'You’re collateral damage' to Trump

CNN anchor Brianna Keilar on Wednesday pointed out to Rep. Tony Strickland (R-Calif.) that President Donald Trump is willing to erase his district to hold onto the House of Representatives in the midterms, telling the California Republican to his face that the leader of his party considers him "collateral damage."

“You told a northern California news outlet that you would tell President Trump it's better to go across the nation for a citizens’ redistricting solution," Keilar said. "He's clear, though, senator, that he doesn't want that. He wants 'one big, beautiful congressional map.' That's what he said about Texas.”

“It seems pretty obvious that Republicans in California are acceptable collateral damage for President Trump if he's able to secure more Republican gains overall in states that are considering redistricting,” Keilar told Strickland. “Have you considered that?”

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Rather than addressing Trump, Strickland spent almost two minutes praising California’s independent redistricting processand said he supports legislation submitted by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) to ban mid-decade redistricting efforts.

“If that goes forward, California will have no competitive seats, and that's bad for Democrats, Independents and Republicans and bad for democracy across the nation,” said Strickland.

As Keilar pointed out, "In Washington, where Republicans control the legislature, there appears to be no appetite for congressman Kiley's efforts that you support."

The CNN host later asked Strickland for his message to Texas Republicans.

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“Well, my message is it's wrong for anybody, for politicians to pick their district lines instead of having constituents pick representatives. It's wrong,” Strickland said.

Watch the video below or at this link.